tactless

/ˈtæktləs/

/ˈtæktlɪs/

To be tactless is to either be rude (without manners) or inept (without finesse). Either way, it's awkward.

Since people with tact are polite and respectful, tactless people are the opposite: rude and ill-mannered. Interrupting is tactless. Wearing a baseball hat in church is tactless. Not holding the door for someone is tactless. This word has to do with other graces besides social graces too. Being clumsy or lacking in judgment can also be called tactless, and an employee who constantly botches his job and never understands why is also tactless.

Definitions of tactless

1. adjective

   lacking or showing a lack of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others
   “in the circumstances it was tactless to ask her age”

   synonyms: untactful

   inconsiderate

   lacking regard for the rights or feelings of others

   inelegant

   lacking in refinement or grace or good taste

   antonyms:

   tactful

   having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others

   considerate

   showing concern for the rights and feelings of others

   discerning, discreet

   unobtrusively perceptive and sympathetic
2. adjective

   revealing lack of perceptiveness or judgment or finesse
   “it was tactless to bring up those who disagree”

   synonyms: inept

   maladroit

   not adroit