What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insensitive
Example
He was insensitive to her feelings and didn't even apologize. [insensitive: adjective]
Example
The boss's insensitive comments hurt the employee's morale. [insensitive: adjective]
unsympathetic
Example
The doctor was unsympathetic to the patient's pain and dismissed their concerns. [unsympathetic: adjective]
Example
She felt alone and unsupported because her friends were unsympathetic to her struggles. [unsympathetic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Insensitive is more common than unsympathetic in everyday language and is used in various contexts. Unsympathetic is less common and is usually reserved for more formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between insensitive and unsympathetic?
Unsympathetic is more formal than insensitive and is often used in professional or academic settings. Insensitive is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
