against humanity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "against humanity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts discussing actions or policies that are considered to violate human rights or moral principles. Example: "The actions taken during the war were deemed crimes against humanity by the international community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sometimes buying nothing is better than buying Cards Against Humanity.

TechCrunch

Not the hipster game, Crimes Against Humanity.

Huffington Post

For punning against humanity!

The New York Times

Horrific crime against humanity.

The New York Times

War is a crime against humanity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We are not against humanity," he explained.

The New York Times

"It is a force against humanity".

The New Yorker

His white card read, "Cards Against Humanity".

The Economist

"This is a crime against humanity.

The New York Times

We see almost certain crimes against humanity".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Kenyan deputy president excused from crimes-against-humanity trial.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "against humanity" in a legal or political context, ensure that the actions described meet the internationally recognized definitions of crimes against humanity. Consult legal resources or expert opinions if needed.

Common error

Don't use "against humanity" lightly for minor offenses or disagreements. This phrase carries significant weight and is reserved for severe violations of human rights and international law.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against humanity" functions as a postmodifier, typically following nouns like "crime", "act", or "force", to specify the nature and scope of the action being described. As Ludwig confirms, it is used in contexts involving violations of human rights.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "against humanity" is a powerful descriptor used to denote severe violations of human rights. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and most often found in news and media, encyclopedia, and scientific contexts. When employing "against humanity", remember to reserve it for actions that truly meet the international legal definitions, avoiding overuse in less serious scenarios. Alternatives include "in violation of human rights" or "a crime against mankind", each carrying slightly different nuances. Understanding these distinctions will ensure precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crime against mankind

Synonymous term, often used in legal and historical contexts, emphasizing the scope of the offense.

in violation of human rights

Focuses specifically on the contravention of established human rights, providing a more legalistic perspective.

contrary to humanitarian principles

Emphasizes the conflict with fundamental humanitarian ethics and values.

an affront to human dignity

Highlights the insult or disrespect towards the inherent worth and value of human beings.

in opposition to human welfare

Directly states the conflict with the well-being and prosperity of humanity.

an outrage to human values

Highlights the shock and indignation caused by the violation of cherished human values.

inimical to human interests

Suggests actions that are harmful or detrimental to the advancement and protection of human interests.

detrimental to the human race

Focuses on the long-term negative impact on the survival and flourishing of humankind.

a betrayal of human ideals

Emphasizes the broken trust and abandonment of the aspirational goals and principles of humanity.

a disservice to humankind

Focuses on the harm or disadvantage caused to humanity as a whole.

FAQs

How is "against humanity" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "against humanity" usually describes actions that are considered severe violations of fundamental human rights, often in the context of war crimes or systematic persecution. For example, "The court found the defendant guilty of committing crimes "against humanity"."

What's a more specific alternative to "against humanity"?

Depending on the context, you could use more specific terms like "violation of human rights", "war crime", or "genocide" to describe the action more accurately. For example, instead of "actions "against humanity"", you might say "war crimes committed during the conflict".

When is it appropriate to use "against humanity" in writing?

Use "against humanity" when describing actions that meet the internationally recognized legal definition of crimes against humanity, such as widespread or systematic attacks against civilian populations. Ensure your usage is accurate and reflects the gravity of the situation.

Is there a difference between ""against humanity"" and "against humanism"?

"Against humanity" refers to actions that violate basic human rights and cause widespread suffering. "Against humanism" refers to opposition to the philosophical or ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, often prioritizing rational thought over religious dogma. They are not interchangeable.