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Definition of "indelicate" []

  • Offensive to established standards of propriety; improper. See Synonyms at improper. (adjective)
  • Marked by a lack of good taste; coarse. (adjective)
  • Lacking in consideration for the feelings of others; tactless. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "indelicate" in a sentence
  • "If realism prevailed, the phrase "indelicate imbalance" might be a more appropriate one to use."
  • "This determination, however, perfectly consistent with his former advice, he calls indelicate, and earnestly persuades his daughters to conceal it, though it may govern their conduct; — as if it were indelicate to have the common appetites of human nature."
  • "This determination, however, perfectly consistent with his former advice, he calls indelicate, and earnestly persuades his daughters to conceal it, though it may govern their conduct; - as if it were indelicate to have the common appetites of human nature."