insensitive to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "insensitive to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate that someone is not sensitive or aware to something, particularly an issue related to another person's feelings or wellbeing. For example, "He was insensitive to her feelings and kept talking even though she was clearly upset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's insensitive to price.

The New Yorker

"It's certainly insensitive to vegans".

The New Yorker

"We're not insensitive to that.

The New York Times

He was insensitive to Jewish suffering.

The Guardian - Books

He was insensitive to her disability.

The Guardian

"I'm not insensitive to concussions," Ward insisted.

The New York Times

I'm not completely insensitive to the appeal of reproduction.

The Guardian

Insensitive to compare any legal reform to the Nuremberg Laws.

The Guardian

If you're giddy now, you're insensitive to the world's problems".

The New York Times - Magazine

European diplomats think it is insensitive to Europe's concerns.

The New Yorker

Professor Adams is not insensitive to that objection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "insensitive to" to describe a person's behavior, ensure the context clearly explains what they are not being sensitive to. Vague usage can lead to misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "insensitive to" as a blanket statement without providing specific examples of the insensitive behavior or the affected party. Instead, clarify what specific feelings or circumstances are being disregarded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insensitive to" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a lack of sensitivity or awareness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Examples in Ludwig show it describing people, systems, or processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "insensitive to" is a versatile and frequently used expression signifying a lack of awareness, concern, or reaction towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its presence across diverse contexts, from formal scientific publications to everyday news articles. While often used to describe human behavior, it also applies to systems or processes that don't adequately respond to specific factors. Remember that while the phrase itself is neutral, it often carries a negative connotation. When writing with "insensitive to", clarity is key, as highlighted by Ludwig. Providing specific examples will ensure the reader clearly understands what is lacking sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unresponsive to

Indicates a lack of reaction or acknowledgment, emphasizing a passive lack of engagement.

unaffected by

Highlights a lack of impact or influence, suggesting a resistance to external forces.

oblivious to

Emphasizes a lack of awareness or perception, suggesting a state of being unaware.

callous towards

Focuses on a lack of empathy or compassion, indicating a cold or uncaring attitude.

impervious to

Highlights a resistance to being penetrated or affected, suggesting an invulnerability.

unmoved by

Indicates a lack of emotional response, suggesting a state of indifference.

indifferent to

Suggests a lack of interest or concern, emphasizing a neutral or apathetic stance.

deaf to

Emphasizes a refusal to listen or acknowledge, suggesting a deliberate disregard.

thick-skinned about

Implies a resilience to criticism or emotional impact, suggesting an ability to withstand negativity.

hardened to

Indicates a desensitization due to repeated exposure, suggesting a diminished emotional response over time.

FAQs

How can I use "insensitive to" in a sentence?

You can use "insensitive to" to describe someone's lack of awareness or concern for something. For example, "He was "insensitive to" her feelings when he made that joke".

What are some alternatives to saying "insensitive to"?

Alternatives include "unresponsive to", "unaffected by", or "oblivious to", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "insensitive to" or "insensitive towards"?

"Insensitive to" and "insensitive towards" are often interchangeable, but "insensitive to" is generally more common and concise. Both are grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "insensitive to" and "callous towards"?

"Insensitive to" implies a lack of awareness or understanding, while "callous towards" suggests a deliberate disregard for others' feelings. "Callous" carries a stronger connotation of cruelty.