exceptionally cruel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptionally cruel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that are extremely harsh or inhumane. Example: "The treatment of the prisoners was exceptionally cruel, drawing widespread condemnation from human rights organizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"The murder of Joanna Parrish was exceptionally cruel," Lord Bragg says.

Independent

The Jordanian government and its citizens will be horrified by this exceptionally cruel killing.

The Guardian

From ancient times until well into the 19th century, many societies administered exceptionally cruel forms of capital punishment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This week the court overturned her conviction on technicalities and did not address the justice of stoning, an exceptionally cruel sentence considered to be torture.

The New York Times

Last month, Docherty traveled to Geneva to advocate for stronger regulations on incendiary devices, which she calls "exceptionally cruel weapons" that have been used in Syria, Libya, and Ukraine.

Harvard University

Bonnie Docherty, a senior instructor at Harvard's International Human Rights Clinic, traveled to Geneva to advocate for stronger regulations on incendiary devices, which she calls "exceptionally cruel weapons". Here she shows inert pieces of cluster munitions, another inhumane weapon, which she helped ban.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"I did once slap the face of someone who had been exceptionally unkind and cruel.

The Guardian - Books

The Berrybenders may seem boorish, cruel and exceptionally unpleasant, but they follow a definite literary tradition -- that grotesque behavior exhibited by people with first names like Albany, Bobbety and Buffum often leads to comedy, or at least entertaining eccentricity.

The New York Times - Books

But many are exceptionally disturbing too: suggestive and cruel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the sultan, though inordinately cruel, was also exceptionally generous.

Forbes

Racing is often a cruel mistress but by any standards this was exceptionally harsh – a climax that will long be remembered but for the ultimate sporting heartbreak rather than triumph.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exceptionally cruel", ensure that the context provides specific details or examples to illustrate the extreme nature of the cruelty being described. Vague or unsubstantiated claims can weaken the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "exceptionally cruel" as a generic intensifier. It should be reserved for situations where the cruelty is demonstrably beyond ordinary levels of harshness or inhumanity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptionally cruel" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something characterized by an extreme degree of cruelty. This is supported by Ludwig AI which confirms its usability in written English. Examples include describing killings, torture methods, or sentences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

29%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exceptionally cruel" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that serves to emphasize the extreme nature of cruelty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it's used to evoke strong emotions and highlight severity. While alternatives like "unusually brutal" or "extremely harsh" exist, "exceptionally cruel" remains a potent descriptor when used appropriately, reserving it for instances where the cruelty is demonstrably beyond the ordinary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unusually brutal

Emphasizes the extreme violence or physical harm involved.

extremely harsh

Focuses on the severity and lack of leniency in treatment.

remarkably inhumane

Highlights the lack of compassion and disregard for human dignity.

singularly merciless

Emphasizes the complete absence of pity or forgiveness.

uncommonly savage

Highlights the ferocity and uncontrolled nature of the cruelty.

particularly vicious

Focuses on the malicious intent and spitefulness behind the cruelty.

intensely sadistic

Emphasizes the enjoyment derived from inflicting pain and suffering.

unfathomably wicked

Highlights the profound moral wrongness and evil nature of the cruelty.

notoriously brutal

Refers to a known or infamous instance of brutality.

unacceptably harsh

Emphasizes the wrongness and inadmissibility of the harsh treatment

FAQs

How can I effectively use "exceptionally cruel" in a sentence?

To effectively use "exceptionally cruel", ensure the context clearly illustrates the extreme nature of the cruelty. Provide specific details or examples to support the claim.

What are some alternatives to "exceptionally cruel" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "unusually brutal", "extremely harsh", or "remarkably inhumane", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is the phrase "exceptionally cruel" most appropriate?

The phrase "exceptionally cruel" is most appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize the extreme and unusual nature of an act's cruelty. This includes discussions of historical events, criminal justice, or social issues where the level of cruelty is particularly noteworthy.

Is there a risk of overusing the term "exceptionally cruel"?

Yes, overuse of "exceptionally cruel" can diminish its impact. Use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where the cruelty is truly exceptional and well-documented.