lack of sensitivity

USAGE SUMMARY

'lack of sensitivity' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a lack of awareness or consideration for other's feelings or situations. For example: "The caretaker's lack of sensitivity towards the patient's needs was disappointing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"There is a lack of sensitivity".

The New York Times

"Levity doesn't mean a lack of sensitivity".

The New York Times

It shows the lack of sensitivity that exists in Volkswagen".

The Guardian - Business

"I am appalled at the board's lack of sensitivity.

The New York Times

She added, "It shows a lack of sensitivity and caring".

The New York Times

"There is a remarkable lack of sensitivity to the subjects of the photographs".

The New York Times - Tech

You also attack Justice Owen's "lack of sensitivity to judicial ethics".

The New York Times

"There was a lot of neglect and lack of sensitivity," she said.

The New York Times

Justice Owen has also shown a disturbing lack of sensitivity to judicial ethics.

The New York Times

They condemned Rajoy's "lack of sensitivity" in not protecting a key part of the Spanish economy.

The Guardian - Business

"I've been appalled at times at the lack of sensitivity from the school personnel," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of sensitivity", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "insensitivity", "callousness", or "thoughtlessness" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

While "lack of sensitivity" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound vague in formal writing. Opt for more precise terms like "callousness" or "lack of empathy" to convey the intended meaning more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of sensitivity" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a deficiency in consideration or awareness. Ludwig shows this phrase is used to express concern or disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of sensitivity" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to express a deficiency in consideration or awareness toward others. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, to convey criticism or concern. While synonymous with terms like "insensitivity" and "callousness", choosing the right alternative depends on the specific nuance. When writing, consider more precise alternatives for formal contexts, and be mindful of the generally negative connotation. Overall, understanding its usage and potential alternatives enhances clarity and impact in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insensitivity

A more concise synonym, directly referring to the quality of being insensitive.

lack of empathy

Directly points to the absence of understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

callousness

Emphasizes a cruel disregard for others' feelings.

thoughtlessness

Highlights a lack of consideration for the impact of one's actions.

tactlessness

Emphasizes a lack of skill in dealing with others, often causing offense.

indifference

Focuses on a lack of interest or concern.

disregard

Highlights a failure to pay attention to or respect others' feelings.

unresponsiveness

Highlights a failure to react or respond appropriately to emotional cues.

apathy

Focuses on a lack of feeling or emotion.

boorishness

Emphasizes a rude or insensitive behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "lack of sensitivity" in a sentence?

You can use "lack of sensitivity" to describe a person's behavior or a situation that demonstrates a failure to understand or consider the feelings of others. For example, "The company's response showed a "lack of sensitivity" to the employees' concerns."

What's the difference between "lack of sensitivity" and "lack of empathy"?

"Lack of sensitivity" is a broader term that encompasses a general unawareness or disregard for others' feelings. "Lack of empathy" specifically refers to the inability to understand and share the feelings of another.

What can I say instead of "lack of sensitivity"?

You can use alternatives like "insensitivity", "callousness", or "thoughtlessness" depending on the context. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it always negative to show a "lack of sensitivity"?

Generally, yes. The phrase "lack of sensitivity" usually implies a negative judgment about someone's behavior or attitude. However, in specific technical contexts, such as scientific experiments, "lack of sensitivity" could refer to the inability of a tool or method to detect something, without necessarily implying a negative judgment.