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Synonyms

hardhearted

American  
[hahrd-hahr-tid] / ˈhɑrdˈhɑr tɪd /

adjective

  1. unfeeling; unmerciful; pitiless.

    Synonyms:
    unforgiving, mean, merciless, heartless

hardhearted British  
/ ˌhɑːdˈhɑːtɪd /

adjective

  1. unkind or intolerant

"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

Etymology

Origin of hardhearted

1175–1225; Middle English hardherted. See hard, hearted ( def. )

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.

See Examples For:

The word "cruel" originates from the Latin word crudelis, which is defined as "hardhearted, bloodthirsty, unmerciful and inhuman."

From Salon Dec. 12, 2023

To not give it a standing ovation is to be hardhearted.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 1, 2023

The most prominent players in the cast are Kevin Kline and Zach Galifianakis, who return to their regular roles as Bob’s hardhearted landlord, Calvin Fischoeder, and his ne’er-do-well, possibly psychopathic brother, Felix.

From Washington Post May 24, 2022

He refers to them together as “children,” which is factually true, but also emphasizes the point that surviving in a hardhearted environment — even thinking of survival — requires a certain innocence.

From Seattle Times Jul. 23, 2021

There, I won’t lecture any more, for I know you’ll wake up and be a man in spite of that hardhearted girl.”

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

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