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.
While walking home, Kamala is exposed to Terrigen mist that was released by the Inhuman King Black Bolt via a Terrigen Bomb.
From Salon • Jun. 7, 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
As seen in Secret Warriors, Khan’s Inhuman powers are very different from her hero’s: she has the ability to stretch her arms and legs, and to alter her physical appearance.
From The Verge • Mar. 8, 2019
Strangers to thee; and, more surprising still, Strangers to kindness, wept: their eyes let fall Inhuman tears: strange tears! that trickled down From marble hearts! obdurate tenderness!
From Young's Night Thoughts With Life, Critical Dissertation and Explanatory Notes by Young, Edward
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.
