indelicate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite in violation of good taste even verging on the indecent
    off-color; off-colour.
    • an indelicate remark
    • an off-color joke
  2. adjective lacking propriety and good taste in manners and conduct
    indecorous.
    • indecorous behavior
  3. adjective satellite verging on the indecent
    • an indelicate proposition

WordNet


In*del"i*cate adjective
Etymology
Pref. in- not + delicate: cf. F. indélicat.
Definitions
  1. Not delicate; wanting delicacy; offensive to good manners, or to purity of mind; coarse; rude; as, an indelicate word or suggestion; indelicate behavior. Macaulay. -- In*del"i*cate*ly, adv. Syn. -- Indecorous; unbecoming; unseemly; rude; coarse; broad; impolite; gross; indecent; offensive; improper; unchaste; impure; unrefined.

Webster 1913