insensitivity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'insensitivity' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that shows a lack of empathy for the feelings of others. Example sentence: She was surprised by his insensitivity to her feelings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To take just one example: individuals with XY chromosomes and a condition called androgen insensitivity syndrome, which makes their bodies insensitive to testosterone have the anatomies of women and, moreover, are often what Natalie Angier calls "mama mia women," because of their tall stature, large busts, thick hair and luminous complexions.

SEP

Colin Powell, the secretary of state, has expressed "regret" at the loss of the pilot's life, but has offered no apology.To Chinese ears, the American stance smacks of arrogance and insensitivity.

The Economist

To support this war was to support it as it was likely to be fought, not as it ought to have been fought.Robert DeckerPalm Springs, CaliforniaSIR – The Bush administration, through its arrogance and insensitivity has made disastrous errors in dealing with the threat of terrorism.

The Economist

Indian society has always treated tribals disgracefully, he says, and after decades of neglect and insensitivity, "we have produced a situation where Maoists fill the vacuum".

The Economist

The 54-year-old former governor, who is seeking a second term in the Senate while angling for the Republican presidential nomination has now found the former imperilled and the latter probably doomed.Since mid-August, Mr Allen has been stained by allegations of racial and ethnic insensitivity.

The Economist

The legislation was introduced to appease resentment of the central government's control of natural resource revenues and its insensitivity to regional differences.

The Economist

The egregious situation that is Iraq was created by insensitivity toward, and lack of understanding of, Middle Eastern culture.

The Economist

But his grudging replies, which tend to blame regulators, leave one wondering if he ever learns from such mistakes.A similar pointer comes when he is asked about Enron's controversial power project in Maharashtra, India, where it has been accused repeatedly of corruption, lack of transparency, insensitivity to local citizenry and complicity in human-rights abuses by police.

The Economist

Yet incompetence and insensitivity have overshadowed the intended symbolism.

The Economist

Following his article on ecstasy and riding, Dr Nutt was told by the home secretary of the day, Jacqui Smith, to apologise to the families of ecstasy victims for his "insensitivity".

The Economist

No wonder many of them are doing it badly, and finding their insensitivity recorded on bitter websites such as fuckedcompany.com.com

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing sensitive topics, be mindful of your audience and choose your words carefully to avoid unintentional offense. Using synonyms for "insensitivity", like "lack of empathy" or "thoughtlessness", can sometimes soften the tone.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone shares the same perspective or level of understanding. What may seem obvious or harmless to you could be deeply offensive or hurtful to someone else. Always consider the potential impact of your words and actions on others.

Linguistic Context

The word "insensitivity" functions primarily as a noun. It typically refers to the state or quality of being insensitive; a lack of feeling or consideration towards others. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Unknown/unmatched sources

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "insensitivity" is a commonly used noun that describes a lack of feeling or consideration for others. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While often used to express criticism or disapproval, understanding its nuances and potential synonyms, such as "lack of empathy" or "thoughtlessness", can aid in more effective and sensitive communication. Being mindful of its implications and usage helps avoid unintentional offense and promotes better understanding in various interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of empathy

Focuses on the emotional aspect, highlighting the absence of understanding or sharing another's feelings.

callousness

Emphasizes a cold and hardened disregard for others' suffering.

thoughtlessness

Highlights the lack of consideration or forethought in one's actions or words.

tactlessness

Suggests a lack of skill or grace in dealing with sensitive issues.

indifference

Indicates a lack of interest or concern about something.

apathy

Implies a lack of feeling, emotion, interest, or concern.

disregard

Focuses on ignoring or neglecting something or someone.

unresponsiveness

Highlights a lack of reaction or reply to something.

hardness of heart

A more figurative expression suggesting a lack of compassion or sympathy.

uncaring attitude

Directly points to an attitude lacking care or concern for others.

FAQs

How can I show sensitivity instead of "insensitivity"?

Showing sensitivity involves active listening, empathy, and respect for others' feelings. It means being mindful of your words and actions and considering their potential impact on others.

What are some synonyms for "insensitivity"?

Synonyms for "insensitivity" include "lack of empathy", "callousness", "thoughtlessness", and "tactlessness". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the word "insensitivity"?

Use "insensitivity" when you want to describe a lack of awareness or concern for the feelings of others. It's appropriate when addressing situations where someone's words or actions have caused offense or harm.

What's the difference between "insensitivity" and "ignorance"?

"Insensitivity" implies a lack of awareness or concern for others' feelings, while "ignorance" simply means a lack of knowledge or information. Someone can be ignorant of a certain issue without being intentionally insensitive.