inhumanity

USAGE SUMMARY

"inhumanity" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to refer to an act or occurrence that is considered to be cruel, harsh, or lacking in compassion. Example: The daily reports of inhumane practices shocked the public and forced the government to take action.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It shows that when it comes to immigration, the government has plumbed new depths of inhumanity".

The Guardian

The success of the sugar industry and the wealth of the planters was, of course, built on the appalling inhumanity of slavery.

The Guardian - Travel

"Not since the last shots of Schindler's List have I been so overcome with the realisation that real people, in recent historical times, had to undergo such inhumanity," wrote the late, revered American film writer Roger Ebert of the acclaimed picture.

The Guardian - Film

In the film's argument, the low-ranking soldiers who were punished for this inhumanity were scapegoats: not only punished unfairly, but exploited, to deflect punishment that should have fallen upon their superiors and upon the rest of us.The film is not perfect.

The Economist

Quite apart from the callous inhumanity of this position, the evidence does not support it.

The Economist

The discovery of this degree of inhumanity, perpetrated by French-educated youths, of both immigrant and white French descent, and including Islamist extremists, has taken the country aback.

The Economist

Tales of bullying, vindictiveness and inhumanity abound.In some ways, though, the most depressing vignettes are the less eye-catching ones.

The Economist

You wait years for an opinion piece linking them, and then two come along inside a month.Simon Jenkins skewers the city in today's Guardian, slamming its nihilistic architecture and inhumanity.

The Economist

William St Clair deserves some sort of medal (Disorder of the British Empire, perhaps) for sifting through records and ledgers, and assembling so beguiling a description of its cruel career.He is careful in his discussion of slavery, describing the gross inhumanity involved, but avoiding a too rapid or too simple assignment of blame.

The Economist

The problem with the natives was that "they are born too much and they don't die enough," a public-health official in French Indochina stated in 1936.All too easily arrogance slides into inhumanity.

The Economist

Regardless of whether it is right to hold this hotel group responsible for the inhumanity of its owner, readers may themselves have been invited to establishments which they believed to be morally dubious.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical events or social issues, use "inhumanity" to convey the profound moral failing and suffering inflicted on individuals or groups. This adds emotional weight and emphasizes the ethical implications.

Common error

While "inhumanity" is a powerful word, avoid overusing it in your writing. Excessive use can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Use it judiciously to highlight particularly egregious acts of cruelty or injustice.

Linguistic Context

The noun "inhumanity" functions primarily to describe actions, behaviors, or conditions that are devoid of compassion, empathy, or human consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in depicting extreme cruelty or a lack of humane qualities. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its role in condemning slavery, war, and other forms of oppression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "inhumanity" is a powerful noun used to describe actions or conditions lacking compassion and characterized by extreme cruelty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, it serves to express strong disapproval of morally reprehensible actions. While grammatically sound and very common, writers should be mindful of overusing it to avoid diminishing its impact. Related phrases include "lack of compassion" and "moral depravity". Use "inhumanity" to add emotional weight when discussing historical events or social issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inhumane treatment

Directly addresses treatment that is cruel and lacking in human consideration.

lack of compassion

Focuses specifically on the absence of empathy and caring.

moral depravity

Highlights the corruption and degradation of moral values.

extreme cruelty

Emphasizes the severity and intensity of the inhumane acts.

heartlessness

Underscores the lack of feeling and emotional indifference.

atrocious behavior

Highlights the shocking and appalling nature of the actions.

savagery

Implies a barbaric and uncivilized form of cruelty.

brutality

Focuses on the physical violence and harshness.

callousness

Highlights indifference to the suffering of others.

ruthlessness

Emphasizes the lack of pity or remorse.

FAQs

How can I use "inhumanity" in a sentence?

You can use "inhumanity" to describe acts or conditions that are extremely cruel or lacking in compassion. For example: "The inhumanity of slavery is a stain on human history", or "The refugees suffered great inhumanity at the hands of their oppressors".

What are some synonyms for "inhumanity"?

Synonyms for "inhumanity" include "cruelty", "brutality", "savagery", "heartlessness", and "lack of compassion". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "inhumanity" and "inhumaneness"?

"Inhumanity" and "inhumaneness" are closely related synonyms. While both refer to a lack of compassion or cruelty, "inhumanity" often implies a more active or deliberate form of cruelty, while "inhumaneness" can refer to a more general lack of human qualities or consideration. They are often interchangeable, but "inhumanity" tends to carry a stronger emotional charge.

Is it appropriate to use "inhumanity" in formal writing?

Yes, "inhumanity" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing serious topics such as human rights, history, or social justice. Its strong connotation makes it effective in conveying the severity of the issues being discussed. Just be mindful of overuse, as noted in the writing guidance.