Indelicate means lacking in tact, refinement, or sensitivity, especially when dealing with topics that require careful handling. If you loudly ask your aunt why she's gained weight, that's an indelicate question: it's true you might be curious, but some questions can be asked more thoughtfully. When someone makes an indelicate comment, they've said something that might embarrass others or make them uncomfortable.

The word often describes behavior that ignores social boundaries or good manners. Burping loudly at the dinner table is indelicate. Asking someone how much money their family makes is indelicate. These actions aren't necessarily cruel or meant to hurt, but they show a lack of awareness about what's appropriate.

Indelicate can also describe something that's too direct or blunt when gentleness would be better. A teacher giving feedback might say “Your essay needs work” rather than “This essay is terrible,” because the second comment would be indelicate. The opposite of indelicate is delicate, meaning careful, tactful, and sensitive to others' feelings.

When you think before speaking and consider how your words might affect someone, you're avoiding being indelicate. It's about recognizing that some situations call for extra thoughtfulness and care.