brutality

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "brutality" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is marked by great cruelty, harshness, violence, or callousness. Example sentence: The police officers used excessive brutality in handling the suspect, shocking the onlookers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Read more: Guantánamo torturer led brutal Chicago regime of shackling and confession Bad lieutenant: American police brutality, exported from Chicago to Guantánamo Plus: How Chicago police condemned the innocent – a trail of coerced confessions Latest: Follow the Guardian's investigation into Chicago's Homan Square.

The Guardian

The brutality of Isis is increasingly at odds with his own views, which have mellowed with age as he has come to believe that the teachings of the Qur'an can be interpreted and not read literally.

The Guardian

The end of European colonialism in the Muslim world in no way diminished the immediacy of that challenge nor the venality, brutality and incompetence of local regimes.

The Guardian

I would simply note that, as we said yesterday, the regime's violence and brutality in these days leading up to the Eid holiday has continued unabated.

The Guardian

The strike could never have happened without the women's groups, on the picket, facing immense brutality and sexual harassment from the police, who called them "Scargill's slags".

The Guardian - Opinion

The litany of brutality, lawlessness and lack of accountability serves as a reminder of what a horrible decision President Obama made at the outset of his administration to close the books on this chapter in our history, even as he repudiated the use of torture.

The Guardian

The intrigue, the brutality and the passion continue unabated.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Still, Johnson advocates more empathy than political brutality: "I believe that when talented people have something to offer a society and a community they should be given the benefit of the doubt".

The Guardian - Opinion

‘Yes.’ Do you ever take the violence and brutality of some of your characters away with you?

The Guardian - Film

As heavily armed soldiers continued rolling into the city in armoured vehicles on Tuesday, embattled authorities in Baltimore were struggling to control a growing crisis in their city, long notorious for urban blight and accusations of police brutality.

The Guardian

Outside mining areas, antagonism – more against Scargill himself than his members – encouraged scepticism about police brutality and the manufacture of evidence against peaceful pickets.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "brutality", ensure that you provide specific details or examples to illustrate the extent and nature of the cruelty or violence involved. This helps the reader understand the severity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "brutality" as a generic term for any kind of violence. It is best used when describing acts that are excessively cruel, inhumane, or savage. Ensure the context justifies the use of such a strong term.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "brutality" is as a noun. It typically functions as a subject or object, describing the state or quality of being brutal, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brutality" is a noun that describes extreme cruelty and violence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, emphasizing its role in reporting and discussing severe and inhumane acts. While a common word, it should be used judiciously to accurately convey the severity of a situation. Related phrases, such as "savagery" and "cruel violence", offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, each with a slightly different nuance. Be mindful of the potential for overuse and ensure the context justifies such a strong term. The word "brutality" carries a significant emotional weight, so use it thoughtfully to communicate effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

savagery

Focuses on the uncivilized and fierce nature of the act.

cruel violence

Emphasizes the malicious intent behind the violent act.

extreme violence

Highlights the intensity and severity of the violence.

ruthless behavior

Indicates a lack of compassion or pity in the actions.

inhumanity

Stresses the lack of human qualities and compassion.

atrocity

Implies an exceptionally wicked or cruel act.

ferocity

Emphasizes the wild and untamed nature of the violence.

barbarity

Highlights the uncivilized and crude nature of the act.

wanton cruelty

Suggests a senseless and unjustified act of cruelty.

sadistic actions

Highlights pleasure derived from inflicting pain.

FAQs

How can I use "brutality" in a sentence?

You can use "brutality" to describe actions that involve extreme cruelty or violence. For example: "The police were accused of using excessive "brutality" during the arrest."

What are some synonyms for "brutality"?

Some synonyms for "brutality" include "savagery", "cruelty", "ferocity", and "inhumanity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "violence" and "brutality"?

"Violence" is a general term for physical force intended to cause harm. "Brutality" implies a particularly savage, cruel, or inhumane form of violence, exceeding ordinary levels of "violence".

Is "brutality" a formal or informal word?

"Brutality" is a neutral word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the subject matter and the tone of the writing than the setting.