What does tactlessness mean?
Tactlessness is the quality of behaving without sensitivity, thoughtfulness, or regard for other people's feelings. It commonly refers to remarks that are blunt, careless, or inappropriate, as well as actions that disregard social conventions. A person displaying tactlessness may speak without noticing that an observation has caused discomfort, or may make a joke whose implications are insulting. The word is generally used in formal or critical contexts rather than as a casual description of ordinary mistakes. Its opposite is tactfulness: awareness of what is appropriate and considerate of other people. Although people can also be described as tactless, the noun tactlessness is especially useful when emphasizing the behavior or quality itself rather than the individual responsible for it.
nounThe quality of being tactless, especially insensitivity to other people's feelings or an inappropriate lack of concern for social conventions.
- Behavior that shows a lack of consideration for other people's feelings or for what is socially appropriate.
"Her tactlessness during the meeting embarrassed several colleagues."
"The manager's tactlessness made the criticism feel unnecessarily harsh."
"She apologized for her tactlessness, recognizing that her comments had dismissed the artist's work."
The plural is rare; the word is normally used as an uncountable noun.
"The magazine discussed several examples of workplace tactlessnesses that had damaged professional relationships."
Tact is the art of saying the right thing; tactlessness is when the wrong thing says itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tactlessness come from?
Tactlessness is formed from tactless, which combines tact with the suffix -less. Tact comes from Latin tactus, a past participle of tangere, meaning “to touch.” The modern sense of tact, referring to social sensitivity, developed from the idea of a person who is finely attuned to others and their feelings.
Related word forms
How tactlessness is actually used
Usually formal and mildly critical. It most often describes a remark, action, or manner that is insensitive or socially inappropriate.
Easily confused with tactlessness
Tact means sensitivity and consideration in dealing with people, whereas tactlessness is the lack of that sensitivity and consideration.