unhuman

[uhn-hyoo-muhn, ‐-yoo-muhn]

adjective

1. lacking human attributes.

   The unhuman figures in his earlier work were not well received.

2. of a quality or power beyond what is human; superhuman.

   Her hands clenched the chair with unhuman strength.

3. not a member of the human species.

   Of our unhuman relatives, I love the mountain gorillas best.

Word History and Origins

Origin of unhuman¹

First recorded in 1780–85; un- ¹ ( def. ) + human ( def. )

Example Sentences

The result will be an art form emptied of talent, emptied of feeling and frighteningly unhuman.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"She was on a golf cart with four terrorists around her. I was terrified. I couldn't believe it was even possible to kidnap an 85-year-old woman from her bed. It is unhuman behaviour, beyond possible."

Read more on BBC

Office of Human Rights in Geneva called it “deeply disturbing” and declared that all public executions “constitute a form of cruel, unhuman or degrading punishment.”

Read more on Washington Post

It’s a difficult achievement – I think it’s almost unhuman.

Read more on The Guardian

He cited the unborn, those deprived of education and dignified work, as well as prisoners who are tortured and held in "unhuman conditions."

Read more on Fox News