Definition

The quality of being unable to feel or respond to sensations or emotions; a lack of awareness or sensitivity.

Example

His insensibleness to the suffering of others was shocking.

Conversation

Did you see how he reacted to the news yesterday?

Yeah, it was shocking; his insensibleness really surprised me.

I mean, how can anyone be so indifferent in that situation?

Right? It's hard to understand that level of insensibleness.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Insensibleness is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "sensibilis" (from Latin, meaning able to be perceived or felt) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state of being). The word describes the state of being unable to perceive or feel, hence lacking sensitivity.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being able to 'feel' ('sensibilis') — that's why insensibleness means the state of not being able to feel.

Visually Confused Words