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

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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