tone-deaf

adjective4

1. •
   Unable to clearly distinguish the difference in pitch between different notes.

   • Although he was tone-deaf, he was a great lyricist.
   • This is a distinction unavailable to the tone-deaf.
2. •
   (informal, figurative) Out of touch with the experience of ordinary people.

   • a politician's tone-deaf remarks about the price of bread
   • The elected official's tone-deaf remarks about the operations of the clerk’s office were disappointing.
3. •
   (informal, figurative) Insensitive and offensive as a result of not noticing the current social context.

   • The campaign – which Fast Company described as “eyebrow-raising”, “controversial” and “tone-deaf” – did not land well. — 2024
4. •
   (informal) Having little or a shallow or banal appreciation of music, whether or not as a result of tone deafness.