C1adverbemotionsrelationships
US/ɪnˈsen.sə.tɪv.li/
UK/ɪnˈsen.sə.tɪv.li/
in a way that shows you do not care about other people's feelings
In context
He spoke insensitively about her loss, and she left the room in tears.
The company handled the layoffs insensitively and lost the trust of its staff.
Looking back, I acted insensitively when I joked about his accent.
Words that go with insensitively
verb + adverb
- behave insensitivelySome tourists behave insensitively at religious sites.
- act insensitivelyI realize I acted insensitively and I am sorry.
- speak insensitivelyHe spoke insensitively about the accident.
- respond insensitivelyShe responded insensitively to his request for help.
adverb + verb
- insensitively handledThe case was insensitively handled by the police.
- insensitively wordedThe email was insensitively worded and upset many readers.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He talked insensitive to her.Correct: He talked insensitively to her.