humanitarian
Americanadjective
-
having concern for or helping to improve the welfare and happiness of people.
-
of or relating to ethical or theological humanitarianism.
-
pertaining to the saving of human lives or to the alleviation of suffering.
a humanitarian crisis.
noun
-
a person actively engaged in promoting human welfare and social reforms, as a philanthropist.
-
a person who professes ethical or theological humanitarianism.
adjective
-
having the interests of mankind at heart
-
of or relating to ethical or theological humanitarianism
noun
-
a philanthropist
-
an adherent of humanitarianism
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of humanitarian
First recorded in 1810–20; humanit(y) + -arian
Explanation
Despite many jokes to the contrary, a humanitarian is not someone who eats humans (as a vegetarian eats vegetables)! A humanitarian is a person concerned with the welfare of all humankind. A millionaire would be considered a great humanitarian if he donated much of his wealth for improving education, housing, and food for the poor. As an adjective, humanitarian is used to describe something or someone who displays the characteristics of someone concerned with human welfare: "The humanitarian project was developed to help women become self-sufficient in third world countries."
Vocabulary lists containing humanitarian
Giving Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
'Tis The Season: Words For Giving
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Power Suffix: -arian
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Humanitarian workers want more heavy lifting equipment as well as spare parts for existing machines to clear away rubbish.
From BBC • May 2, 2026
Humanitarian needs in Iran are growing sharply due to the war, the Red Cross said Tuesday as it launched an emergency appeal for more than $50 million.
From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026
Humanitarian conditions in the territory remain dire, according to the UN, which has stressed the need for the unrestricted flow of critical supplies.
From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026
Humanitarian organisations prefer receiving flexible funds not bound to specific activities, allowing them to dedicate resources where they are most needed and react more easily to emergencies.
From Barron's • Dec. 2, 2025
Humanitarian groups reached out to me, asking me to get involved.
From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
