Definition

The quality of being rude or lacking sensitivity; a lack of tact or delicacy in behavior or speech.

Example

His indelicateness in addressing the issue offended many people in the room.

Conversation

Did you notice how his comments showed a bit of indelicateness?

Yeah, it was kind of awkward, wasn't it?

I mean, sometimes people just don't realize how they come across.

Exactly! A little more sensitivity would go a long way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Indelicateness is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "delicatus" (from Latin, meaning delicate or pleasing). The suffix "-ness" (meaning the state of being) indicates a quality. Thus, indelicateness refers to the state of not being delicate or lacking in tact.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being combined with 'delicate' ('delicatus') to remember that indelicateness means lacking delicacy or tact.

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