top definitions
related content
examples

indelicacy

[ in-del-i-kuh-see ]

/ ɪnˈdɛl ɪ kə si /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR indelicacy ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural in·del·i·ca·cies for 2.

the quality or condition of being indelicate.

something indelicate, as language or behavior.

Origin of indelicacy

First recorded in 1705–15; in-³ + delicacy

Words nearby indelicacy

indefinitely, indehiscence, indehiscent, indeliberate, indelible, indelicacy, indelicate, indemnification, indemnify, indemnitee, indemnitor

Example sentences from the Web for indelicacy

This most mistaken opinion gives an indelicacy, a 'brusquerie', and a roughness to the manners.

The PG Edition of Chesterfield's Letters to His Son |The Earl of Chesterfield
I could not commit the gross indelicacy of saying: "My poor friend, where do you come in?"

Jaffery |William J. Locke
In that case the under garments are never taken off, and no consciousness of impropriety or indelicacy of feeling is manifested.

A New Guide for Emigrants to the West |J. M. Peck
Such an interchange of the terms would imply arrogance or indelicacy.

Summary Narrative of an Exploratory Expedition to the Sources of the Mississippi River, in 1820 |Henry Rowe Schoolcraft

The habit of rinsing the mouth at table is a disgusting piece of indelicacy, which is never practiced by any well-bred person.

Martine's Hand-book of Etiquette, and Guide to True Politeness |Arthur Martine