Introduction / Context:
This item evaluates knowledge of precise antonym pairs for interpersonal skill descriptors. In professional settings, "tactful" describes someone skilled at choosing words and actions that avoid giving offense, particularly in delicate negotiations like union matters. Identifying the antonym requires negating that exact interpersonal competency, not merely selecting a generally negative trait.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Target adjective: tactful (skilled at diplomacy and sensitivity).
- Domain: workplace labor relations.
- We must find the single best direct opposite.
Concept / Approach:
"Tactful" aligns with diplomatic, considerate, and discreet behavior. The clean antonym is "tactless," meaning insensitive or likely to offend because of poor word choice or social judgment. Many distractors are near-synonyms of tactful (diplomatic, prudent, subtle, astute) and should be eliminated by checking whether they increase or decrease the same social-skill dimension.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Map the semantic axis: tactful ↔ tactless.2) Note that diplomatic/prudent/subtle/astute support the tactful profile rather than contradict it.3) Select "tactless" as the only answer that reverses the trait in the sentence's context.4) Confirm with substitution: replacing "tactful" with "tactless" in the sentence reverses the meaning appropriately.
Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase: "The GM is insensitive and mishandles delicate issues" is the natural inverse of "tactful and handles … effectively," showing that "tactless" is the correct antonymic choice.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
diplomatic: Synonym; reinforces tact.prudent: Cautious and judicious; supports tact.astute: Perceptive; not opposite.subtle: Fine judgment or nuance; aligns with tact.
Common Pitfalls:
Choosing a term that merely sounds positive or professional. Antonym questions demand exact reversals along the same semantic dimension, not just a different kind of competence or incompetence.
Final Answer:
tactless
Discussion & Comments