inhuman

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inhuman" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions, behaviors, or characteristics that are cruel, brutal, or lacking compassion, often in a context that highlights a violation of human dignity. Example: "The treatment of the prisoners was so inhuman that it sparked international outrage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pope Francis has decried the "inhuman" conditions facing migrants crossing the US-Mexico border and has encouraged communities there not to judge people by stereotypes but welcome migrants and work to end discrimination.

The Guardian

The six-to-one ruling in the Hutchinson case says the justice secretary does clearly have a power to release whole-life prisoners in exceptional circumstances making the law sufficient to comply with article three, which bans inhuman or degrading treatment.

The Guardian

"I think it would be inhuman, personally, not to allow them to do things when there have been serious incidents within their family, such as deaths".

The Guardian

"Australia has an obligation to impartially investigate allegations of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, to criminally punish perpetrators, and to provide effective remedies (including compensation) to victims," Saul wrote.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 1978 the European court of human rights admonished Britain for its inhuman and degrading treatment of the 14 prisoners but fell short of finding the UK guilty of torture.

The Guardian

Article three of the European convention on human rights prohibits "inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment".

The Guardian

In his letter, Francis praised migrant initiatives in cities like Nogales "which live daily with the phenomenon of immigration, and the ensuing inhuman situations of all type that it creates".

The Guardian

Calling the new policy "shameful" and "inhuman", Hazaras interviewed this weekend denied that they were economic migrants hoping to get rich in the west.

The Guardian

Hutchinson claimed his whole-life sentence amounted to inhuman and degrading treatment as he had no hope of release.

The Guardian

Speaking to reporters after its announcement, Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis described the deadlines the new government had been forced to meet as "inhuman".

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inhuman", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates a violation of fundamental human rights or a profound lack of empathy to justify the intensity of the term.

Common error

Avoid using "inhuman" to describe minor inconveniences or disagreements. Overusing the word dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "inhuman" functions primarily to describe actions, conditions, or behaviors that exhibit extreme cruelty and a profound lack of empathy, often violating fundamental human rights or dignity. As Ludwig AI states, it describes actions or characteristics that are cruel, brutal, or lacking compassion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "inhuman" is a powerful term used to describe actions or conditions that are shockingly cruel and lacking in empathy. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and frequently used to express strong condemnation, typically found in News & Media contexts. When writing, use "inhuman" judiciously, reserving it for situations where there is a clear violation of human dignity. Alternatives like "lacking humanity" or "devoid of compassion" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Avoid overusing "inhuman" in mild situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking humanity

Focuses on the absence of positive human qualities.

devoid of compassion

Highlights the absence of empathy and concern for others.

utterly ruthless

Emphasizes the lack of pity or regard for the suffering of others.

brutally cruel

Directly conveys the harshness and severity of the actions or behavior.

cold-blooded

Suggests a deliberate and unemotional cruelty.

barbaric

Implies a primitive and savage level of cruelty.

ferocious

Highlights the extreme and savage nature of the act.

monstrous

Suggests something unnatural and horrifyingly cruel.

atrocious

Emphasizes the shocking and appalling nature of the action.

unconscionable

Focuses on the moral reprehensibility and lack of conscience.

FAQs

How can I use "inhuman" in a sentence?

The word "inhuman" is used to describe something extremely cruel or lacking normal human qualities. For example, "The conditions in the prison were described as "inhuman" by human rights activists".

What are some synonyms for "inhuman"?

Alternatives to "inhuman" include "cruel", "barbaric", "monstrous", or "lacking humanity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to describe something as 'inhumane'?

Yes, "inhumane" is a valid alternative spelling of "inhuman". Both words have the same meaning and are interchangeable.

What distinguishes "inhuman" from "unethical"?

"Unethical" refers to actions that violate a code of conduct or moral principles, while "inhuman" describes actions that are so cruel they seem to deny the humanity of the victim. "Inhuman" carries a stronger emotional charge than "unethical".