tone-deaf

[ tohn-def ]

adjective

1. unable to distinguish differences in pitch in musical sounds when producing or hearing them.
2. unable to perceive public sentiment, attitudes, or preferences:

   The council’s politically tone-deaf plan would cost lower income residents $100 a year.

3. lacking emotional insight; insensitive or unsympathetic to others:

   She is often tone-deaf to her daughter’s needs.

tone-deaf

adjective

1. unable to distinguish subtle differences in musical pitch

Derived Forms

• tone deafness, noun

Other Words From

• tone deaf·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tone-deaf¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

I just found it depressingly tone deaf for a show that typically handles these sensitive issues so delicately.

From The Daily Beast

She raps with a tightly-wound drawl, one that, to American ears, feels tone-deaf not musically, but socially.

From The Daily Beast

At the time of he gave those tone-deaf remarks, the “elephant in the room” was the most-watched network on TV.

From The Daily Beast

The article goes on to say that State found the original statement "tone deaf" and in need of "major revisions."

From The Daily Beast

He seemed tone-deaf when he initially resisted releasing his tax returns.

From The Daily Beast

It is easy to understand that this master of harmony possessed no charms for a tone-deaf young man.

From Project Gutenberg

Some people are tone-deaf, and they find it physically impossible to observe the law of contrasts.

From Project Gutenberg

Trilby the tone-deaf, who couldn't sing one single note in tune!

From Project Gutenberg

But almost any one, not entirely tone-deaf, can follow a tune and almost everybody can get enjoyment out of some sort of music.

From Project Gutenberg

Some people are "tone-deaf," and they find it physically impossible to observe the law of contrasts.

From Project Gutenberg