inhumane en · ADJ
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
- /ˌɪnhjuːˈmeɪn/
Etymology
Originally a variant spelling and pronunciation of inhuman, ultimately from Latin inhūmānus; it appears to have died out 17c. but returned c. 1822, probably a reformation as a negative of humane from in- + humane.
Meanings
-
(alt-of, alternative) Alternative form of inhuman: lacking pity or compassion for misery and suffering; cruel, unkind.
alt of inhuman
But the ruthless cleaning up of those streets and merciless treatment of gang members have triggered outrage and concern among human rights organizations, which have condemned Cecot as inhumane and unacceptable.
2024 November 6, David Culver, Abel Alvarado, Evelio Contreras and Rachel Clarke, “Exclusive: Locking eyes with mass murderers in El Salvador”, in CNN:Herein thou haſt done good ſeruice to thy country: VVere all inhumaine ſlaues ſo ſerued as he, England would be ciuill, and from all ſuch dealings free.
1593, anonymous author, The Life and Death of Iacke Straw […], →OCLC, Act I:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| most inhumane | Degree=Sup | lexicographic | |
| more inhumane | Degree=Cmp | lexicographic |
Antonyms
Deriveds
Synonyms
merciless · nonhumane · inclement · unpitiful · incessive · despiteful · demonic · ruthless · compassionless · sadistic · nasty · cruel · brutal · truculent · remorseless · diabolic · ruthless · flagitious · rotten · barbarous · unkind · savage · sadistic · pitiless · inhuman · unmerciful · fell · diabolical · inhumane · nonhumane · unbenign · unbenevolent · bowelless · spiteful · unpitying · malicious