callous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "callous" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means "showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others." An example sentence would be: "The callous comments from the politician showed a blatant disregard for the victims of the tragedy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A "callous and brutal" father who murdered his baby daughter by repeatedly biting, punching and shaking her has been jailed for life with a minimum of 22 years.

The Guardian

So, whether you might consider that to be callous… you don't focus your energies on people who are in constituencies where they don't make a huge difference.

The Guardian - Opinion

Neither does the failure of African countries to crack down on the callous people smugglers who crisscross the continent with apparent impunity.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not just the lip-service they have shown to the consultation, but the callous disregard they are showing to long-standing and loyal columnists and journalists.

The Guardian

If deported, campaigners say Jordan's decision would be particularly callous as Sahlee has been offered a visa by the German government, who have asked for more time to complete the administrative procedures necessary to transfer him to Germany.

The Guardian

"The callous approach taken to forced redundancies by Fairfax in the group of papers headed by the Wagga Daily Advertiser is insensitive, unprofessional and short-sighted".

The Guardian

In the days of Afghan austerity, such celebrations are thought to be callous overspending at best, and un-Islamic debauchery at worst.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite the rhetoric about "a land of opportunity", punitive and callous policies like these will not alter the fact that more than five jobseekers are chasing every vacancy.

The Guardian

The blame lies with Bashar Assad and the callous intransigence of such outsiders as Vladimir Putin's Russia.

The Economist

It's callous, cruel and, of course, wrong: the human body breaks down, and it breaks down in ways that are neither predictable nor fair.

The Economist

But on humanitarian grounds standing back from the Syrian civil war in the face of more than 200,000 deaths and the continued use of chemical weapons (now in the form of everyday chlorine) seems callous.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "callous" to describe actions or attitudes that demonstrate a deliberate disregard for the feelings and well-being of others. It's stronger than simply being insensitive.

Common error

Avoid using "callous" when "careless" is more appropriate. "Callous" implies intent or a knowing disregard, while "careless" suggests negligence or unintentional harm.

Linguistic Context

The word "callous" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a lack of empathy or sensitivity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "callous" is an adjective used to describe someone who is emotionally hardened and displays a lack of empathy or sensitivity towards others. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and common usage, particularly in News & Media. When using "callous", ensure that the context aligns with its strong connotation of deliberate disregard, differentiating it from similar terms like "careless" or "insensitive". Considering the frequent occurrence of "callous" in reliable sources, its effective use can significantly enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heartless

Directly implies a lack of feeling or compassion.

insensitive

Suggests a lack of awareness or consideration for others' feelings.

unfeeling

Emphasizes the absence of emotional response or sympathy.

ruthless

Highlights a lack of pity or compassion, often associated with determination.

merciless

Indicates a lack of forgiveness or leniency.

cold-hearted

Suggests a lack of warmth or affection.

indifferent

Implies a lack of interest or concern.

hardened

Describes someone who has become emotionally tough or desensitized.

unsympathetic

Indicates a lack of understanding or support for others.

brutal

Emphasizes harshness and cruelty in behavior.

FAQs

How to use "callous" in a sentence?

You can use "callous" to describe someone who is insensitive and cruel. For example, "The politician made a "callous" remark about the victims."

What can I say instead of "callous"?

You can use alternatives like "heartless", "insensitive", or "unfeeling" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "callous" or "calloused"?

"Callous" describes someone emotionally hardened, while "calloused" refers to skin that has become thickened and rough. The two words have different meanings and are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "callous" and "insensitive"?

"Callous" implies a deliberate and cruel disregard for others' feelings, whereas "insensitive" suggests a lack of awareness or tact, without necessarily implying cruelty.