inhuman

[in-hyoo-muhn, -yoo-]

adjective

1. lacking qualities of sympathy, pity, warmth, compassion, or the like; cruel; brutal.

   an inhuman master.

   Synonyms: brutish, savage, hard, callous, cold, unsympathetic, unfeeling

2. not suited for human beings.

3. not human.

inhuman

/ ɪnˈhjuːmən /

adjective

1. Also: inhumane. lacking humane feelings, such as sympathy, understanding, etc; cruel; brutal

2. not human

Other Word Forms

• inhumanly adverb
• inhumanness noun
• inhumanely adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inhuman¹

First recorded in 1475–85; from Latin inhūmānus; replacing late Middle English inhumain, from Middle French, from Latin; in- ³, human

Example Sentences

Contemporary reports by US government officials recount more incidents of "arbitrary and unlawful killings, kidnappings, torture and other cruel and inhuman or degrading treatment."

From BBC

The use of lifelong sentences by Scottish courts could result in "inhuman and degrading" treatment, human rights campaigners have warned.

From BBC

Davie said he would be "inhuman" if he said he hadn't been feeling the pressure.

From BBC

"Both sides have deliberately targeted civilians through attacks, summary executions, arbitrary detention, torture, and inhuman treatment in detention facilities, including denial of food, sanitation, and medical care," said Fact-Finding Mission chair, Mohamed Chande Othman.

From BBC

Universidad de Chile have accused opponents Independiente and the Argentine police of failing to protect their supporters from a "brutal and inhuman beating" that hospitalised 19 of their supporters.

From BBC

Related Words

• barbaric 
• barbarous 
• brutal 
• cold-blooded 
• cruel 
• hateful 
• heartless 
• inhumane 
• malicious 
• merciless 
• ruthless 
• savage 
• vicious