indelicacy

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   lack of tact, propriety, or sensitivity in speech or behavior

   She recognized the indelicacy of asking about his salary in front of the whole team.

2. 2
   noun

   an impolite, offensive, or socially inappropriate act or remark

   He apologized for the indelicacy and changed the subject at once.

Formed in English from in- ('not') + delicacy. Delicacy came through Middle English and Old French from Latin delicatus, 'alluring, refined, delicate'; the negative formation developed both the mass sense 'lack of tact or propriety' and the count sense 'an improper act.'

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