Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Requiring careful handling; delicate or sensitive: Describes a situation, topic, or matter that is difficult to deal with because it requires great tact, diplomacy, or caution to avoid causing offense or problems.
   • Sensitive to being tickled: (Less common in formal contexts) Describes a person or part of the body that is easily made to laugh or squirm when lightly touched.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective (Delicate Matter):

  • The manager found the salary negotiations to be a ticklish issue.
  • Bringing up politics at dinner can be a ticklish subject.
  • It was a ticklish problem that required a nuanced solution.

• Adjective (Sensitive to Touch):

  • My feet are very ticklish.
  • The child is ticklish under his arms.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in a ticklish position/situation": To be in a difficult or delicate situation that requires careful action.
  • The diplomat was in a ticklish position, needing to please both allied nations.

Variants and Related Words

• Ticklishly (adverb): In a delicate or sensitive manner.
  • He ticklishly navigated the conversation away from the controversial topic.
• Ticklishness (noun): The quality of being delicate or sensitive.
  • The ticklishness of the matter demanded secrecy.

Synonyms

• Delicate: Needing careful treatment.
• Touchy: Easily upset or offended; requiring tact.
• Sensitive: Requiring careful handling to avoid problems.
• Tricky: Difficult to deal with due to complexity or delicacy.
• Prickly: Irritable or difficult to handle.

Antonyms

• Straightforward: Easy to understand or deal with.
• Unproblematic: Not causing any difficulties.
• Robust: Strong and not easily damaged; able to withstand harsh treatment.

Adjective

1. difficult to handle; requiring great tact
   • delicate negotiations with the big powers
   • hesitates to be explicit on so ticklish a matter
   • a touchy subject