heartlessness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heartlessness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of compassion or empathy in someone's actions or behavior. Example: "Her heartlessness in the face of his suffering shocked everyone around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It paints the CDU as a reluctant partner in such rescue operations; if allowed to govern with the liberals, it says, the CDU will reveal its true heartlessness.

The Economist

Voters remember the Agenda 2010 labour-market reforms by the previous SPD-led government as the height of heartlessness, so its recent turn towards tenderness does not convince them.

The Economist

The mother posted the letter on Facebook, social media poured opprobrium on the airline for its heartlessness, and the carrier swiftly backtracked.

The Economist

"The business climate has improved since the change of government," says Mr Siepmann.Yet Mr Rüttgers faces charges of heartlessness.

The Economist

It was seen as perpetuating a mutually reinforcing standoff between two bad things: the heartlessness of the capitalist north, and the authoritarian secularism of the socialist south.

The Economist

It is difficult to maintain that youth to-day is so very different from what it has been in other periods of the country's history, especially as "the capriciousness of beauty," the "heartlessness" and "carelessness" of youth, are charges of a too suspiciously bromidic flavor to carry conviction.You bet.

The Economist

If, as they are bound to be, "Birthday Letters" are taken as replies to the charge of male heartlessness from biographers and critics who took Plath's side, Mr Hughes comes over as a fundamentally loving but helpless bystander.Mr Hughes is a secretive man and it is striking that he should have chosen to open himself up in such a way.

The Economist

All the talk of spending cuts, for example, seems to have reawakened atavistic fears about Tory heartlessness.

The Economist

Sensitive as he is to the old charge of Tory heartlessness over the NHS, Mr Cameron's own enthusiasm waned as the row intensified.The result is that the revised plan is much cooler on competition (see article).

The Economist

Petrified, still, by their old reputation for heartlessness, the Tories have pushed policies that so far only tinker with the tax code rather than reforming it.

The Economist

What haunt him, and the reader, are the risks and heartlessness that now attend the pursuit of the summit.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heartlessness" to describe a notable absence of empathy or compassion, particularly when someone's actions or decisions cause harm or suffering to others. It implies a lack of emotional consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "heartlessness" to simply express disagreement with someone's opinion or stance. "Heartlessness" implies a deeper moral failing—a lack of basic human empathy—not just a difference in viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The word "heartlessness" functions primarily as a noun. It signifies the state or quality of being without feeling or compassion. As Ludwig states, the word is correct and usable in written English.

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, "heartlessness" is a commonly used noun that describes a lack of compassion or empathy. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples from reputable news sources like The New York Times and The Economist. The term is often used in news and media to criticize actions or policies that demonstrate a lack of consideration for the well-being of others. While synonyms like "callousness" and "cruelty" exist, "heartlessness" specifically highlights the absence of emotional consideration, making it a strong choice for conveying disapproval or criticism. Remember to avoid using "heartlessness" simply to express disagreement; it is best reserved for situations where a genuine lack of empathy is evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of empathy

Directly addresses the inability to understand or share the feelings of another.

lack of compassion

Focuses on the absence of empathetic concern for others' suffering.

callousness

Emphasizes insensitivity and indifference to the feelings of others.

cold-heartedness

Implies a deliberate and unfeeling nature, lacking warmth or kindness.

cruelty

Highlights the intentional infliction of pain or suffering.

ruthlessness

Emphasizes a lack of pity or compassion, often in the pursuit of a goal.

insensitivity

Points to a lack of awareness or consideration of others' emotions.

unfeeling nature

Highlights a general absence of emotional responsiveness.

apathy

Suggests a lack of interest or concern, often leading to indifference.

indifference

Suggests a lack of concern or interest, often leading to inaction.

FAQs

How can I use "heartlessness" in a sentence?

You can use "heartlessness" to describe a lack of compassion or empathy in someone's actions or behavior. For example: "The "heartlessness" of the decision shocked everyone."

What are some synonyms for "heartlessness"?

Synonyms for "heartlessness" include "callousness", "cruelty", and "insensitivity". Choose the synonym that best fits the specific context of your writing.

Is it correct to use "heartlessness" to describe a company's policy?

Yes, you can use "heartlessness" to describe a company's policy if that policy demonstrates a lack of concern for the well-being of individuals affected by it. For example: "The company's "heartlessness" was evident in its decision to lay off employees before the holidays."

What's the difference between "heartlessness" and "indifference"?

"Heartlessness" implies a lack of compassion or empathy, often leading to active harm or neglect. "Indifference", on the other hand, suggests a lack of concern or interest, potentially resulting in inaction. "Heartlessness" is more active while "indifference" is more passive.