subhuman

[ suhb-hyoo-muhnor, often, -yoo- ]

adjective

1. less than or not quite human.
2. almost human:

   In some respects, the porpoise is subhuman.

subhuman

/ sʌbˈhjuːmən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or designating animals that are below man ( Homo sapiens ) in evolutionary development
2. less than human

Word History and Origins

Origin of subhuman¹

First recorded in 1785–95; sub- + human

Example Sentences

I looked into the eyes of people who thought I was subhuman.

From Outside Online

They believe that the target group is fully human and simultaneously they believe that the target group is fully subhuman.

From Nautilus

Apparently, several composers deemed “subhuman” by his own Nazi party.

From The Daily Beast

He has called the president of the United States a “subhuman mongrel,” and only Hunter S. Thompson can do that.

From The Daily Beast

They were united in their disgust at economic inequalities, corporate rapaciousness, and subhuman working conditions.

From The Daily Beast

She had many nightmares, and in nightmares her voice sounded almost subhuman, like another person.

From The Daily Beast

Both sides imagined the other was a monster, a subhuman worthy only of death.

From The Daily Beast

In their fleeting and impersonal character, however, they are subhuman.

From Project Gutenberg

They were things of beauty, but it was a beauty strange, menacing, subhuman.

From Project Gutenberg

It seems a strange ending for an angel-song, a far drop from the superhuman to the subhuman.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a thing neither man, beast, nor devil, imbued with characteristics subhuman as well as characteristics superhuman.

From Project Gutenberg

And St. Cyr, also too subhuman to be impressed by urbanity, hit Martin a clout on the jaw.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• heartless