tasteless

word

Definition

Lacking flavor or taste in food; can also mean lacking style, elegance, or being offensive in art, fashion, or behavior.

Usage & Nuances

Used both literally (for food) and figuratively (for bad style or offensive things). For food, means no flavor. For style or humor, means lacking class or being inappropriate. Common collocations: 'a tasteless joke', 'tasteless dress'. Don't confuse with 'distasteful' (unpleasant or offensive) or 'flavorless' (only about food).

Example Sentences

This soup is tasteless.

basic

He made a tasteless joke in class.

basic

The cake looked good, but it was tasteless.

basic

Some TV shows today are so tasteless, I can't watch them.

natural

I found her comments completely tasteless and out of line.

natural

That dress is a bit too bright for me—almost tasteless.

natural