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