TACTLESS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does tactless mean? 

• TACTLESS (adjective)
  The adjective TACTLESS has 2 senses:

1. lacking or showing a lack of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others

2. revealing lack of perceptiveness or judgment or finesse

  Familiarity information: TACTLESS used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• TACTLESS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Lacking or showing a lack of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others

Synonyms:

tactless; untactful

Context example:

in the circumstances it was tactless to ask her age

Also:

inconsiderate (lacking regard for the rights or feelings of others)

inelegant (lacking in refinement or grace or good taste)

Antonym:

tactful (having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others)

Derivation:

tactlessness (the quality of lacking tact)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Revealing lack of perceptiveness or judgment or finesse

Synonyms:

inept; tactless

Context example:

it was tactless to bring up those disagreeable

Similar:

maladroit (not adroit)

Derivation:

tactlessness (the quality of lacking tact)

 Context examples 

Mr. Hungerton, her father, really was the most tactless person upon earth,—a fluffy, feathery, untidy cockatoo of a man, perfectly good-natured, but absolutely centered upon his own silly self.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)