indelicate

[ in-del-i-kit ]

adjective

1. offensive to a sense of generally accepted propriety, modesty, or decency; improper, unrefined, or coarse:

   indelicate language.

   Synonyms: untactful, rude, gauche, indecorous

2. not delicate; lacking delicacy; rough.

indelicate

/ ɪnˈdɛlɪkɪt /

adjective

1. coarse, crude, or rough
2. offensive, embarrassing, or tasteless

Derived Forms

• inˈdelicately, adverb
• inˈdelicacy, noun

Other Words From

• in·deli·cate·ly adverb
• in·deli·cate·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of indelicate¹

First recorded in 1735–45; in- ³ + delicate

Example Sentences

Fisher, whose net worth is estimated by Forbes to be $3 billion, is the quintessential member of the Lucky Sperm Club, not to be indelicate.

From Los Angeles Times

From its playfully inventive opening to its flash-forward finale, Thomas Hardiman’s wild — and wildly impressive — first feature, set during a British regional hairdressing competition, is a proudly indelicate, painstakingly structured pleasure.

From New York Times

It’s not the first time a Bank of England official has been criticized for indelicate suggestions on how to hold down inflation.

From New York Times

Forgive his indelicate language; do not forgive those who resent the fact that the Masterman School once was a rake.

From Washington Post

Pita took it and blew her nose into it indelicately.

From Literature