lacking human kindness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacking human kindness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is devoid of compassion or empathy towards others. Example: "His actions during the crisis were shocking, revealing a character that was truly lacking human kindness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Almost half of women who miscarry have to wait 24 hours or more for a scan, and this lack of "human kindness" needs to be addressed, a survey has found.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One of the equally unsettling aspects of the culture is its complete lack of basic human kindness and compassion as a rule.

Huffington Post

A person can follow all the rules and yet be lacking in the milk of human kindness.

Huffington Post

M. Gene Snyder, a Kentucky Republican, said Mr. Edgar lacked "an ounce of the milk of human kindness in his soul".

The New York Times

Justine Roberts, the founder of Mumsnet, said: "There's no escaping the pain of a miscarriage, but for this to be compounded by lack of treatment, pain relief, good care or just plain human kindness is completely unacceptable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Forget about human kindness.

The Guardian - Film

And so does human kindness.

The Guardian

Alongside misery, there is always human kindness.

The Guardian - Film

And the milk of human kindness sours a little.

The New York Times

You have no decent human kindness in you, do you?

The New Yorker

"It is just as notably about profound human kindness".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lacking human kindness" when you want to emphasize a specific absence of empathy or compassion, especially in situations where such qualities would be expected or appropriate.

Common error

While "lacking human kindness" is grammatically correct, it can sound somewhat formal or judgmental in casual conversation. Consider using simpler, more direct terms like "mean" or "insensitive" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival phrase. "Lacking human kindness" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a quality of absence of kindness. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase describes something or someone deficient in traits like empathy, compassion and warmth.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

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Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Encyclopedias

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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lacking human kindness" is a grammatically correct and semantically valid expression used to describe the absence of empathy and compassion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, although its frequency is relatively rare, with the majority of examples originating from news and media sources. While appropriate for formal writing, it may sound overly critical in casual conversations. Consider alternatives like "devoid of compassion" or "bereft of empathy" for nuanced expression. When used, the phrase effectively conveys disapproval of actions or behaviors perceived as insensitive or uncaring.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devoid of compassion

Focuses on the complete absence of compassionate feelings.

bereft of empathy

Highlights the absence of understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

without empathy

A straightforward expression indicating the absence of empathetic feelings.

lacking compassion

A direct synonym, emphasizing the absence of sympathetic concern.

inhumane

Stresses cruelty and disregard for human suffering.

callous

Implies a hardened and insensitive attitude towards others.

heartless

Suggests a lack of emotional warmth or feeling.

unsympathetic

Emphasizes a lack of understanding or concern for the feelings of others.

uncharitable

Focuses on the absence of generosity and kindness.

without consideration

Highlights the absence of thoughtfulness or regard for others' feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "lacking human kindness" in a sentence?

You can use "lacking human kindness" to describe actions or behaviors that demonstrate a lack of empathy or compassion. For example, "The company's decision to lay off employees without notice was "lacking human kindness"".

What is a synonym for "lacking human kindness"?

Synonyms for "lacking human kindness" include "devoid of compassion", "bereft of empathy", or simply "inhumane".

Is it appropriate to use "lacking human kindness" in formal writing?

Yes, "lacking human kindness" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to convey a serious absence of empathy or compassion in a clear and direct manner.

What's the difference between "lacking human kindness" and "cruel"?

"Lacking human kindness" suggests a general absence of compassion, while "cruel" implies a deliberate act of causing pain or suffering. Someone "lacking human kindness" might be indifferent, whereas someone cruel is actively malicious.