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
- inhumanely adverb
- inhumanly adverb
- inhumanness noun
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.
The power of his work resides not in ideological argument or moral screed but in the observation of characters struggling to maintain their humanity in an inhuman system.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
It was not the first time that Leo has criticised the government of his native country, after denouncing its treatment of migrants as "inhuman".
From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026
Throw in the fact that Ryan Coogler’s historical horror smash “Sinners” was up for a record 16 awards, and genuine, defiant progress in the face of constant inhuman brutality seemed like a real possibility.
From Salon • Mar. 16, 2026
Philosophy without a biography turns inhuman; biography without a philosophy becomes inert.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026
As they neared the yard, they heard the inhuman groan again, the same sound they had heard while exiting the basement, only louder than ever.
From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull
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.
