VocabDictionary

tactlessness

/ˈtækt.ləs.nəs/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The quality or state of being blunt, inconsiderate, or lacking adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or sensitive issues.

Example Sentences:
  • His remark about her weight was a display of pure tactlessness.
  • She was often criticized for her blunt honesty, which bordered on tactlessness.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “tactlessness”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from 'tact' (from Latin 'tactus', meaning touch or sense of touch, later evolving via French to mean a sense of delicate perception in dealing with others) + '-less' (suffix meaning without) + '-ness' (suffix forming abstract nouns of state or quality).

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of someone who has no 'tact' (no social touch), and when you add '-lessness', it becomes the quality of lacking social grace entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions About “tactlessness

1. What is the meaning of “tactlessness” in English?

In English, tactlessness (noun) is defined as: “The quality or state of being blunt, inconsiderate, or lacking adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or sensitive issues.”.

2. How do you use “tactlessness” in a sentence?

His remark about her weight was a display of pure tactlessness.

3. What are English synonyms of “tactlessness”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “tactlessness”?

Derived from 'tact' (from Latin 'tactus', meaning touch or sense of touch, later evolving via French to mean a sense of delicate perception in dealing with others) + '-less' (suffix meaning without) + '-ness' (suffix forming abstract nouns of state or quality).