ENGLISH
REFERENCE

inhuman

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪnˈhjumən// UK //ɪnhjˈuːmən// in·hu·man

adj. lacking the qualities that make people human, such as kindness or pity. It describes something that is extremely cruel or cold.

adj. lacking humanity, kindness, or compassion; manifesting extreme cruelty or brutality. Often describes conditions or actions that are perceived as being beyond the limits of human endurance or morality.


SIMPLE

The prisoners were kept in inhuman conditions.

CONTEXTUAL

The dictator was eventually removed from power after years of committing inhuman acts against his own citizens.

COMPLEX

The philosopher argued that treating any living being with such inhuman indifference eventually erodes the moral character of the society that permits it.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English inhumayne, from Middle French inhumain and its etymon Latin inhūmānus.

Usage

Typically used to describe treatment, conditions, or behavior rather than a person's physical appearance.

Pitfall

The weather was inhumane.The weather was inhuman.Learners confuse 'inhuman' (lacking human qualities or being very cruel) with 'inhumane' (lacking compassion). While they overlap, 'inhuman' is more common for conditions or non-human cruelty.

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