tactness

USAGE SUMMARY

'tactness' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is skilled in dealing with difficult social situations with discretion and sensitivity. For example: "His tactness made it possible for me to successfully resolve the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

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

Use "tactness" when you want to highlight the skill of navigating sensitive situations with grace and consideration for others. It emphasizes the positive impact of careful communication.

Common error

While "tactness" is a valid word, it may sound overly formal or stilted in everyday conversation. Consider using more natural alternatives like "sensitivity" or "discretion" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tactness" is as a noun, referring to the quality of being tactful. According to Ludwig, it describes the skill of dealing with difficult social situations with discretion and sensitivity. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in assessing someone's ability to navigate interpersonal interactions successfully.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tactness" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun that describes the quality of being tactful, that is, the skill in handling delicate situations with sensitivity. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its usability and appropriateness in written English. While versatile, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Encyclopedic sources. When aiming for precision and emphasizing skillful interaction, "tactness" is a strong choice. However, remember that alternative terms like "diplomacy" or "sensitivity" might be more fitting for casual contexts. Always prioritize clarity and audience when choosing your words.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diplomacy

Focuses on skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility.

discretion

Emphasizes the quality of being careful about what one says and does.

sensitivity

Highlights awareness and consideration of others' feelings.

finesse

Suggests skillful handling of a situation with grace and delicacy.

adroitness

Implies cleverness and skill in dealing with others.

poise

Highlights composure and self-assurance in social interactions.

consideration

Emphasizes thoughtfulness and regard for others.

prudence

Implies wisdom and carefulness in decision-making and speech.

delicacy

Stresses the refined and subtle approach to handling sensitive matters.

circumspection

Highlights caution and careful consideration of all circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "tactness" in a sentence?

You can use "tactness" to describe someone's skill in handling sensitive situations, for example: "His "tactness" made it possible to successfully resolve the conflict."

What is a good synonym for "tactness"?

Good synonyms for "tactness" include "diplomacy", "discretion", and "sensitivity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tactness" the same as "tact"?

"Tact" is the ability to avoid offending people, while "tactness" is the quality of possessing or displaying tact. You can have "tact" and demonstrate "tactness".

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

Use "tactness" in formal writing or when you want to emphasize the importance of skillful and considerate communication, particularly in situations where sensitivity is crucial.