callousness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "callousness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of empathy or sensitivity towards others' feelings or situations. Example: "Her callousness towards the suffering of others was shocking and unacceptable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He shot himself because of Stalin's callousness towards him, but survived.

The Guardian

He said the fact that baby Aukse suffered considerably for hours before her eventual death "demonstrated a callousness that is as incredible as it is inhuman".

The Guardian

Until the past four years, and the election of a government that treats disabled people with a scarcely believable callousness.

The Guardian - Opinion

The marketised university is a place where only economic values matter, a callousness mirrored in student social life.

The Guardian

She talked to soldiers' mothers trying to find their sons' corpses in military morgues where mangled bodies lay unnamed and unclaimed the result of the Russian army's unique mixture of callousness and incompetence.

The Economist

They revealed mendacity, callousness and fecklessness at the level of generals and presidents, in the eyes of the government's own analysts.

The Economist

How better to prepare for the campaign than by setting up a series of votes that highlight Democratic compassion and Republican callousness?

The Economist

The impression of callousness was strengthened by an entry in Alastair Campbell's diary, noting jubilantly that exposing the source would "fuck Gilligan" by undermining his story.Lord Hutton rejected the first charge (which has in any case been blunted by Mr Gilligan's own retractions).

The Economist

Theater for Havel meant something close to this, the insistence on a shared moment in which through the purposeful absurdity and irony of his plays an authentic human subjectivity could emerge amidst the callousness and anomie of modern, bureaucratized life.

The Economist

New spending commitments are unaffordable, but Mr Cameron cannot oppose them without inviting charges of callousness.

The Economist

Not everyone will be happy with his remarks about Drake's "serious character flaws", including "a taste for violence", "extreme callousness" and "a streak of covetousness".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing institutional failures or systemic issues, "callousness" can be used to highlight a lack of empathy or concern for the well-being of individuals affected by those systems.

Common error

Avoid using "callousness" when "carelessness" is more appropriate. "Callousness" implies a deliberate disregard for others' feelings, while "carelessness" suggests a lack of attention or thought.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "callousness" is as a noun. It refers to the state or quality of being callous, indicating a lack of empathy or emotional sensitivity. Ludwig examples show it used to describe behaviors, attitudes, or institutional failings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "callousness" is a noun that describes the state of being callous, or emotionally hardened. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media to describe a lack of empathy or compassion in individuals or institutions. When using "callousness", be mindful of its negative connotation and ensure it accurately reflects a deliberate disregard for others' feelings, rather than mere carelessness or "indifference". Consider alternatives like "insensitivity" or "heartlessness" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insensitivity

Directly points out a lack of sensitivity to the feelings of others.

emotional insensitivity

Focuses specifically on the lack of emotional awareness or response.

lack of compassion

Emphasizes the absence of sympathetic concern for others.

unfeeling nature

Emphasizes the inherent lack of emotion or sympathy in someone's character.

heartlessness

Highlights a severe absence of feeling or pity.

hardness of heart

A more figurative expression suggesting a lack of empathy or forgiveness.

indifference

Suggests a general lack of interest or concern, which may or may not be intentional.

apathy

Indicates a lack of feeling, emotion, interest, or concern.

ruthlessness

Implies a determination to achieve one's goals without concern for the pain caused to others.

brutality

Highlights cruel and violent behavior, lacking any compassion.

FAQs

How can I use "callousness" in a sentence?

"Callousness" is a noun that describes a lack of empathy or insensitivity. For example: "The politician's "callousness" towards the plight of the poor was widely criticized."

What words can I use instead of "callousness"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "insensitivity", "heartlessness", "apathy", or "lack of compassion".

Is "callousness" a negative word?

Yes, "callousness" is a negative word. It describes a lack of empathy or concern for others, which is generally seen as an undesirable trait.

What is the difference between "callousness" and indifference?

"Callousness" implies an active disregard for others' feelings, while "indifference" suggests a lack of interest or concern. Callousness is more intentional and harmful than indifference.