indelicateness

indelicateness

The guest's indelicateness made everyone at the table uncomfortable.

Definition

Indelicateness (noun): - The quality of being lacking in sensitivity, tact, or refinement; behavior or speech that is considered coarse, vulgar, or inappropriate for polite society. - A state or instance of being indelicateshowing a disregard for social conventions, modesty, or the feelings of others.

Usage Examples
  • (Her lack of tact and coarse behavior was inappropriate for the occasion.)
  • (The rude and insensitive nature of his remarks violated social norms.)
  • (His humor was inappropriate and showed poor judgment in a solemn setting.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Sheer indelicateness": an extreme or obvious lack of refinement.

    • The sheer indelicateness of the proposal offended the committee. (The blunt and tactless nature of the suggestion was insulting.)
  • "To display indelicateness": to show a lack of sensitivity in one's actions or words.

    • He displayed indelicateness by asking about her salary at a party. (He violated social etiquette by inquiring about personal finances.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Indelicate (adj): lacking in sensitivity or refinement; tactless.

    • Her indelicate remark caused a stir. (Her tactless comment created tension.)
  • Indelicacy (n): a synonym for indelicateness; also refers to an instance of such behavior.

    • His indelicacy was noted by all present. (His lack of tact was observed by everyone.)
Synonyms
  • Tactlessness: lack of skill in dealing with others without causing offense.
  • Coarseness: roughness or vulgarity in manner or speech.
  • Crudeness: lack of refinement or sophistication.
  • Vulgarity: offensive or obscene language or behavior.
Related Idioms
  • "To put one's foot in one's mouth": to say something embarrassing or tactless.

    • He put his foot in his mouth with his indelicateness at the meeting. (He made a socially awkward comment.)
  • "To lack finesse": to be without subtlety or delicate skill in social situations.

    • Her indelicateness showed she lacked finesse in diplomacy. (She was not skilled in handling sensitive matters.)