What does indelicate mean?
Indelicate is an adjective meaning excessively tactless, crude, or inappropriate. It is commonly applied to remarks, jokes, questions, suggestions, and behaviors that show a lack of sensitivity or respect for social boundaries. Although it can suggest indecency, especially in older usage, its dominant modern sense is that something is poorly judged or painfully direct rather than graceful. The word can sound formal and sharply disapproving, so it is often used in criticism or commentary. For example, a joke that singles out someone’s appearance may be described as indelicate even when it is not technically obscene. Its negative force is stronger than “tactless,” suggesting a more serious failure of judgment, propriety, or refinement.
adjectiveExcessively tactless, crude, or inappropriate in expression or behavior. It can also mean indecent or lacking refinement.
- Excessively tactless, insensitive, or socially inappropriate.
- Crude, vulgar, or indecent in expression or behavior.
"His indelicate remark about her appearance made everyone uncomfortable."
"The advertisement was criticized for its indelicate portrayal of family life."
"She considered his questions about her appearance indelicate and unnecessary."
The word means literally “not delicate”: it describes behavior that is too blunt, crude, or insensitive to be socially graceful.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indelicate come from?
Indelicate was formed in the early 19th century from the prefix in- meaning “not” and delicate. Delicate comes through French from Latin delicatus, originally associated with softness, weakness, or daintiness, and developed into an English word for delicacy and refined behavior. The negative prefix turned the adjective into a term for conduct that lacks refinement or restraint. Related English forms include delicacy and delectable, while modern cognates exist across several European languages.
Related word forms
How indelicate is actually used
Usually formal and critical. In contemporary usage, it most often describes remarks, jokes, questions, or behavior that are inappropriate or offensive rather than merely awkward.
Easily confused with indelicate
Delicate means refined, sensitive, or tactful, whereas indelicate means excessively tactless, crude, or inappropriate.
Indelicate is commonly used for tactless or socially inappropriate behavior, while indecent more specifically suggests obscenity or a lack of propriety.