Insensible
hardNeutral tonein-SEN-suh-buhl
adjective
Definition
unaware, unconscious, or incapable of feeling
Memory hook
INSENSIBLE: 'IN' (not) + 'sensible' — but here it means not SENSING at all; a fainted person sprawled on the floor, totally unable to feel the cat walking on them.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Engrossed in his work, he was insensible to the storm raging outside.”
“The patient lay insensible for hours after the anesthesia took hold.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Engrossed in his work, he was ______ to the storm raging outside.”
Show answer
insensible
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Insensible is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "oblivious" or "unaware" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "sensitive".
Related GRE Words
unconscious
Not conscious; unaware; done without awareness
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
artless
free of guile or pretense; naturally simple and sincere
astute
Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage
capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
circumspect
Wary and unwilling to take risks; cautious
Master insensible and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.