1
: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch
2
: having or showing an obtuse insensitivity or lack of perception particularly in matters of public sentiment, opinion, or taste
The White House long ago concluded that she is aloof and politically tone-deaf …—
Michael Duffy
Michael DuffyAt the time, I wondered how such an intelligent man could be so tone-deaf to the harsh realities facing the nation …—Peniel E. Joseph
Peniel E. Joseph
tone deafness
noun
Examples of tone-deaf in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Adult human beings—even the callous, tone-deaf, emotionally immature ones—demonstrate an understanding of death that is remarkable in its sophistication.
—Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024
To some people, this preoccupation with horror can seem tone-deaf.
—Sarah Kollat, Discover Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024
In what could be best described as three seasons of purgatory in Sacramento before calling Las Vegas their home, the Athletics leave behind a cherished legacy and fan base in Oakland that deserved far more than a tone-deaf goodbye letter.
—Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
But more damaging than the cringe of a tone-deaf tweet about diversity is when companies give up on the performance altogether.
—Allison Morrow, CNN, 6 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tone-deaf 
Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024
To some people, this preoccupation with horror can seem tone-deaf.
—Sarah Kollat, Discover Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024
In what could be best described as three seasons of purgatory in Sacramento before calling Las Vegas their home, the Athletics leave behind a cherished legacy and fan base in Oakland that deserved far more than a tone-deaf goodbye letter.
—Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
But more damaging than the cringe of a tone-deaf tweet about diversity is when companies give up on the performance altogether.
—Allison Morrow, CNN, 6 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tone-deaf
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tone-deaf.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near tone-deaf
Cite this Entry
“Tone-deaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tone-deaf. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
tone-deaf
adjective
: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch
tone deafness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share