Dictionary
indelicate
adjective in·del·i·cate \-li-kət\
: not polite : having or showing bad manners or taste
Full Definition of INDELICATE
: not delicate: a (1) : lacking in or offending against propriety : improper (2) : verging on the indecent : coarse b : marked by a lack of feeling for the sensibilities of others : tactless
— in·del·i·cate·ly adverb
— in·del·i·cate·ness noun
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First Known Use of INDELICATE
1742
Related to INDELICATE
- Synonyms
- brash, graceless, ill-advised, imprudent, inadvisable, indiscreet, injudicious, tactless, undiplomatic, unwise
Synonym Discussion of INDELICATE
indecorous, improper, unseemly, unbecoming, indelicate mean not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste. indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners <indecorous behavior>. improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method <improper use of campaign contributions>. unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste <remarried with unseemly haste>. unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status <conduct unbecoming to an officer>. indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling <indelicate expressions for bodily functions>.
INDELICATE Defined for Kids
indelicate
adjective in·del·i·cate \in-ˈde-li-kət\
Definition of INDELICATE for Kids
: not polite or proper : coarse <an indelicate subject>
— in·del·i·cate·ly adverb
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