indelicate

• Qui manque de tact, de délicatesse ou de bonnes manières; légèrement offensant ou gênant.

Describes something that is lacking in tact, refinement, or good manners; slightly offensive or embarrassing.

1. Lacking good taste or tactC1formal

   Describes behavior or remarks that are slightly offensive or inappropriate, often lacking sensitivity.

   manquant de tact

   • His indelicate comment about her weight made everyone uncomfortable.
   • It was indelicate of him to ask about her salary at the dinner party.
   • She found his jokes to be rather indelicate for the formal occasion.

   Synonymescoarsecrudegaucheimpoliteinappropriateinsensitiverudetactlesstastelessuncouthunrefinedvulgar

   Antonymesdelicatediplomaticdiscreetpoliterefinedsensitivesubtletactful

2. Lacking propriety in mannersC1formal

   Showing a lack of proper social conduct or refinement.

   Manquant de délicatesse en société

   • His indelicate behavior at the funeral shocked the attendees.
   • It is considered indelicate to interrupt someone while they are speaking.
   • She was criticized for her indelicate handling of the sensitive topic.

   Synonymesboorishcoarsecrudegaucheimpoliteimproperindecorousrudetactlessuncouthunseemlyvulgar

   Antonymescourteousdecorousdiscreetgenteelpoliteproperrefinedtactful

3. Verging on indecencyC2formal

   Bordering on being improper or offensive, especially in a moral or sexual context.

   qui frôle l'indécence

   • The film contained some indelicate scenes that were not suitable for children.
   • His indelicate remarks about her appearance were widely condemned.
   • The novel was banned for its indelicate descriptions of private matters.

   Synonymesbawdycoarseimproperindecentnaughtyoff-colorracyribaldsuggestive

   Antonymeschastedecentdelicatemodestproperpureseemly