Definition

The quality of being rude or lacking sensitivity in behavior or speech.

Example

His indelicacy during the meeting made everyone uncomfortable.

Conversation

Did you hear about the speech at the party last night?

Yeah, it was filled with some serious indelicacy that made everyone uncomfortable.

I know, right? It’s surprising how someone could overlook such an indelicacy.

Exactly! It's important to be mindful of our words in social situations.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Indelicacy is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "delicatus" (from Latin, meaning delicate or refined) and the suffix "-cy" (meaning the state or quality of). The word refers to the state of being not delicate, often implying a lack of tact or propriety.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not delicate' ('in-' means not and 'delicatus' means delicate) to remember that 'indelicacy' refers to a lack of tact or refinement.

Visually Confused Words