adjective
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Also: inhumane. lacking humane feelings, such as sympathy, understanding, etc; cruel; brutal
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not human
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of inhuman
First recorded in 1475–85; from Latin inhūmānus; replacing late Middle English inhumain, from Middle French, from Latin; see origin at in- 3, human
Compare meaning
How does inhuman compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
If someone behaves in a way that shows no compassion, you could describe that person and his or her actions as inhuman. A teacher who assigns six hours of homework every night might be seen as inhuman. When people talk about inhuman things, they're usually not talking about dogs or Martians — beings that are literally not human. Rather, this word involves humans who show no regard for their fellow humans. Murdering another person is an inhuman act; slavery is an inhuman institution. Inhuman acts can also be described as inhumane, meaning “heartless and cruel.”
Vocabulary lists containing inhuman
Sounder
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Zlata’s Diary
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Stormbreaker
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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.
But they’ve also helped Ms. Marvel sidestep some of the budgetary and narrative complications that would come with directly adapting the powers and Inhuman origins Kamala typically has in Marvel’s comic books.
From The Verge • Jul. 14, 2022
Inhuman eagerness to please is part of their sales pitch.
From Slate • Aug. 23, 2021
That same year, he released an EP produced by Marley Marl, “Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz,” calling himself the Inhuman Orchestra.
From New York Times • Jul. 16, 2021
"Avatar: The Last Airbender," Seasons 1-3 "Chichipatos" "District 9" "I Love You, Stupid" "Inhuman Resources" "Magic for Humans" Season 3 "She-Ra and the Princesses of Power" Season 5 "White Lines"
From Salon • May 2, 2020
Inhuman wretches!" exclaimed Douglas, "to expose such a sweet infant in a night like this!
From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 14 by Various
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.
