Synonyms

cold-hearted

American

[kohld-hahr-tid] / ˈkoʊldˈhɑr tɪd /

adjective

lacking sympathy or feeling; indifferent; unkind.

cold-hearted British

adjective

lacking in feeling or warmth; unkind

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

cold-heartedly adverb
cold-heartedness noun
coldheartedly adjective

Etymology

Origin of cold-hearted

First recorded in 1600–10

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.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the series.

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2025

Next to "The Raven" Hank is naturally hilarious and ridiculously flashy, making him the most adorable cold-hearted crime lord in all of television.

From Salon • Jun. 4, 2023

But when his plan goes awry, the Grinch turns into his old, cold-hearted self, until his friend Cindy-Lou Who, reminds him that Christmas is not all about winning.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 2023

Matt: One of the scenes that keeps sticking with me is where Luthen gives that speech to the Imperial double agent about why he’s so cold-hearted.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023