Word
humankind
Phoneticshu·mankind
US/ˈhjumənˌkaɪnd/
UK/hjˈuːmɐŋkˌaɪnd/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. all the people in the world as a single group. It is a more modern way to say 'mankind'.
n. the human race considered collectively. Often preferred over 'mankind' in contemporary academic and formal contexts to ensure gender neutrality.
Examples
“The history of humankind is full of amazing inventions.”
“Space exploration is often described as a giant leap for all of humankind.”
“The preservation of biodiversity is not merely an environmental concern but a fundamental necessity for the long-term survival of humankind on this planet.”
Examples
simple
“The history of humankind is full of amazing inventions.”
contextual
“Space exploration is often described as a giant leap for all of humankind.”
complex
“The preservation of biodiversity is not merely an environmental concern but a fundamental necessity for the long-term survival of humankind on this planet.”
Usage
Takes a singular verb; often used without an article when referring to the species as a whole.
Real-World Examples
“It is someone who acts in the interests of all humankind.” “The Artemis III mission was initially expected to return humankind to the moon.” Etymology
From human + -kind.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/humankind