Tone-deaf means unable to hear the difference between pitches. Completely tone-deaf, tone-deaf but keen, claims to be tone-deaf.
True tone-deafness is rare and has a name of its own, amusia, so most people who call themselves tone-deaf are merely untrained. The word is now used far more often of somebody who misjudges a public mood.
1adjectivetone-deafUnable to hear the difference between pitches.
“He insists he is tone-deaf and sings anyway.”
tone-deaf is a quality.
Practised in Music & Instruments