cold-hearted

American  

[kohld-hahr-tid] / ˈkoʊldˈhɑr tɪd /

adjective

1. lacking sympathy or feeling; indifferent; unkind.

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cold-hearted British  

adjective

1. lacking in feeling or warmth; unkind

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Other Word Forms

• cold-heartedly adverb
• cold-heartedness noun
• coldheartedly adjective

Etymology

Origin of cold-hearted

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, comedian Alan Carr continues his transformation from giggly liability to cold-hearted killer.

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2025

“I’m not going to be cold-hearted to single parent families that sometimes find themselves in this situation,” Presley said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 1, 2023

It’s the same kind of cold-hearted spreadsheet utilitarianism the Empire uses, which is why he seems so tortured and sure of himself at the same time.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2022

Judging from critical success in their careers, the Chrises have all played an array of roles — from lovable goofballs to cold-hearted menaces — and starred in box office hits and box office flops.

From Salon • Nov. 10, 2022

Unfortunately, a lot of adults are too blind or cold-hearted to see our pain.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers