a. [f. TACT + -LESS.] Destitute of tact; awkward.
1847. in Webster.
1875. Fam. Herald, 17 July, 181/2. ‘But …’ laughed Doris, quickly answering this tactless speech.
1886. M. Moorsom, Thirteen all Told, 26. A glance of warning, which he was too dull and tactless to take.
Hence Tactlessly adv., Tactlessness.
1893. Academy, 21 Oct., 333/3. Severe and just, but somewhat tactlessly contrived, measures against the Jewish usurers.
1882. Beresf. Hope, Brandreths, III. xxxviii. 73. I should not have to blame my own tactlessness for the result.
