a callous individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a callous individual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is emotionally insensitive or unfeeling towards others. Example: "His actions during the crisis revealed him to be a callous individual, indifferent to the suffering of those around him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is a perverted, callous individual.

Independent

And while the Bush Administration's rhetoric may show insensitivity to rising economic anxiety, its economic policies have been like a boxer lean- ing into a left hook--responding to that anxiety by imposing even more risk on the individual, from partially privatizing Social Security to pushing incentives to move more Americans into an often callous individual health market.

Huffington Post

"We have a duty to take on the callous individuals who don't care what they are doing.

Independent

This is not a place of distress or misery and it is not run by callous individuals indifferent to animal suffering.

The Guardian

In terms of their brain structure and function, they look the opposite of highly callous individuals (such as psychopaths).

Harvard University

The one who repeats the act, notwithstanding the previous experience, identifies himself or herself as a callous, uncaring, and dangerous individual.

Los Angeles Times

He even made a callous joke about someone shooting her. .

Huffington Post

"This deal is a stark violation of international law, flies in the face of U.S. laws passed by Congress, and is a callous response to the families and individuals running for their lives," said Margaret Huang, the executive director of Amnesty International.

The New York Times

At sentencing, the judge called McCormick's trade "a callous confidence trick" that "in all probability materially contributed to causing death and injury to innocent individuals".

The Guardian

–You're a callous bastard.

The Guardian - Books

It's a callous approach".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a callous individual", ensure your description is supported by concrete examples of their behavior to avoid accusations of unfair judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "a callous individual" repeatedly in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "heartless person" or "insensitive individual" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a callous individual" functions as a descriptive term, specifically a noun phrase, used to characterize a person. It combines the adjective "callous", meaning emotionally hardened or unfeeling, with the noun "individual". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a callous individual" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe someone who lacks empathy or shows indifference to the suffering of others. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While the phrase is versatile, writers should be mindful of the context and avoid overuse, considering synonyms like "heartless person" or "insensitive individual" to maintain clarity and engagement. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the expression serves to negatively characterize individuals and criticize their actions or behaviors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heartless individual

Emphasizes the absence of compassion or feeling.

a compassionless person

Directly states the absence of compassion.

a hard-hearted person

Similar to heartless, but suggests a more hardened emotional state.

an unfeeling person

Highlights the lack of emotional response or empathy.

an unsympathetic individual

Focuses on the lack of understanding and compassion for others' suffering.

an insensitive person

Focuses on the lack of sensitivity rather than inherent cruelty.

an indifferent person

Highlights the lack of concern or interest in others' feelings.

a cold-blooded person

Suggests a calculated and unemotional nature.

a soulless individual

Implies a deeper lack of empathy and moral conscience.

a ruthless individual

Implies a willingness to act without regard for the consequences to others.

FAQs

How can I use "a callous individual" in a sentence?

You can use "a callous individual" to describe someone who shows a lack of empathy or concern for others, such as: "His actions demonstrated that he was "a callous individual", indifferent to the suffering of those around him".

What are some alternatives to "a callous individual"?

Alternatives include "an insensitive person", "a heartless individual", or "an unfeeling person", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a callous individual" in formal writing?

Yes, "a callous individual" is appropriate for formal writing, but be mindful of the context and ensure it accurately reflects the person's behavior. Consider alternatives if you wish to convey a less accusatory tone.

What's the difference between "a callous individual" and "a ruthless individual"?

"A callous individual" implies a lack of empathy or concern, while "a ruthless individual" suggests a willingness to act without regard for the consequences to others. Ruthlessness often involves actively causing harm to achieve a goal, while callousness can be more passive indifference.