tactless

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "tactless" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who speaks or acts without sensitivity or consideration for other people's feelings. Example sentence: His tactless comment hurt my feelings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In his dealings with Indonesians van Imhoff was tactless.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thankfully, it never happened to me, but I know people who have been victims of this and who still bear a grudge against the cruel or tactless grown-up in question.

The Guardian - Opinion

A tactless candidate was another problem: Maria Hutchings came across as more Ukip and less Conservative than Ukip's own smooth-talking Diane James.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is partisan, tactless and very bold.

The Guardian

Barack Obama also seems to have arrived in much the same place, first saying on Friday that he supported the construction of the mosque and then explaining over the weekend that he was talking about constitutional rights, rather than tact.But that simply invites the question of why building the mosque is so tactless.

The Economist

Their currencies suffered dramatic declines last year, after Ben Bernanke, the chairman of America's Federal Reserve, was tactless enough to say that it would not keep printing money to buy bonds at the same pace for ever.

The Economist

Indeed, if I may be tactless, I will point out that my Islam has been much better about communism over the past 70 years than your Christianity has.

The Economist

That would have been a tactless thing to say to the face of any African prelate from a war zone, who faces daily calculations about the price of his life.

The Economist

His assertion that there have been "through the years a number of critiques of markets" is a huge understatement, and he appears tactless when the first downside of high inequality that he cites is that the rich feel "physically vulnerable".

The Economist

The Greek justice minister suggested that, as part of his country's ongoing claims against its old oppressor, he might even seize the Athens property of the Goethe Institute, Germany's cultural agency.Arguments over a tactless hand gesture might be called a childish spat.

The Economist

This was probably necessary, but it was tactless of him to order a state jet, which he seems to use a lot, while calling for austerity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "tactless", be specific about the context and the action or statement that demonstrates their lack of tact. Provide examples to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling someone as "tactless" without explaining why. This can come across as judgmental and uninformative. Instead, describe the specific behavior or statement that you consider tactless.

Linguistic Context

The word "tactless" functions as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe someone or something lacking in tact. Ludwig examples show it applied to people, actions, or statements that demonstrate a lack of sensitivity or consideration for others' feelings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tactless" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective that describes a lack of sensitivity and consideration for others' feelings. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is most often found in news media and encyclopedic contexts. While the term is widely accepted, it's important to use it with context and provide specific examples of the behavior or statement being described. Alternatives such as ""insensitive"", ""undiplomatic"", and ""inconsiderate"" can be used to convey slightly different nuances. Remember to avoid simply labeling someone as "tactless" without further explanation, as this can be perceived as judgmental and uninformative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconsiderate

Focuses on the lack of regard for the needs or feelings of others.

thoughtless

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

insensitive

Suggests a lack of awareness or disregard for the feelings of others, often unintentionally.

indiscreet

Suggests a tendency to reveal sensitive information or behave without proper restraint.

undiplomatic

Emphasizes a lack of skill in handling sensitive situations or maintaining good relations.

boorish

Implies rudeness and a lack of refinement in social behavior.

ungracious

Highlights a lack of politeness and charm, particularly in response to a gesture or situation.

crude

Indicates a lack of taste or delicacy; can also imply vulgarity.

awkward

Describes a situation or behavior that is uncomfortable or clumsy, often due to a lack of social grace.

offensive

Suggests causing displeasure or resentment; implies a deliberate act of insensitivity.

FAQs

How can I use "tactless" in a sentence?

You can use "tactless" to describe a person or their actions when they show a lack of sensitivity and consideration for others' feelings. For example: "It was "tactless" of him to comment on her weight."

What can I say instead of "tactless"?

Alternatives to "tactless" include "insensitive", "undiplomatic", or "inconsiderate", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "tactless" or "untactful"?

Both "tactless" and "untactful" are correct and have similar meanings, but "tactless" is the more commonly used term.

What's the difference between "tactless" and "rude"?

"Tactless" implies a lack of sensitivity or awareness, while "rude" suggests a deliberate act of disrespect or impoliteness. A "tactless" comment may be unintentional, while a rude remark is generally intended to be offensive.