uncompassionate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncompassionate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that lacks compassion or empathy towards others. Example: "His uncompassionate response to her struggles left her feeling even more isolated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Newly appointed justices who vote conservative are often portrayed as uncompassionate right-wing ideologues.

The Economist

Mr Kerry is making hay at the moment with the charge that Mr Bush's opposition to stem-cell research is as uncompassionate as it is unscientific.

The Economist

To do so just weeks before she is about to complete her education would be an uncompassionate and illogical act  of absurdity".

Independent

Clara Jeffery's review of "Cool Gray City of Love," by Gary Kamiya (Sept . 15, includes the thoughtless and uncompassionate remark that the Tenderloin is a "zombieland of homelessness and hopelessness".

The New York Times - Books

Even Catholic bishops, who had to be dragged toward compassion in the pedophilia scandal, were dismayed at how uncompassionate Ryan's budget was.

The New York Times

Dig deeply enough and you may find fleeting references to an uncompassionate government.

The New York Times

Dig deeply and you may find a metaphor about corrupt, uncompassionate government.

The New York Times

That's right, child, you make no effort at all, you don't even know what effort is, let alone tenderness, you uncompassionate creature.

The Guardian - Books

Voters condemned the Tories as "upper-class, out of touch and uncompassionate – the party of two nations, not one", as Alistair Cooke, the Conservative party's official historian, has put it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The status quo is not just uncompassionate; it is inhumane.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"If I had to choose one word to describe him it would be 'uncompassionate'," Sallie said of Rankin on Tuesday evening.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uncompassionate", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It emphasizes a lack of compassion, which is distinct from simply being indifferent or unaware. Choose it when you want to highlight a failure to show empathy or concern.

Common error

Avoid using "uncompassionate" when describing someone who is merely indifferent or apathetic. "Uncompassionate" implies an active failure to show concern, not just a lack of interest. For simple lack of interest, consider terms like "indifferent" or "detached".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "uncompassionate" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe someone or something that lacks compassion, as seen in Ludwig's examples: "uncompassionate right-wing ideologues", "uncompassionate government", and "uncompassionate and greedy landlord". Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncompassionate" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective that describes a lack of compassion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily to criticize or negatively evaluate a person, action, or system. While its register is generally neutral to formal, it's most frequently encountered in news and media sources. When using "uncompassionate", remember to distinguish it from mere indifference and reserve it for situations where there is an active failure to show concern. Alternatives like "insensitive" or "callous" may be more appropriate depending on the context. By considering these nuances, you can effectively use the word "uncompassionate" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking compassion

This alternative is more descriptive and directly states the absence of compassion.

without empathy

This alternative emphasizes the absence of understanding or sharing the feelings of others.

unsympathetic

This alternative highlights the absence of shared feelings or understanding.

uncaring

This alternative focuses on the lack of concern or interest in others' well-being.

insensitive

This alternative suggests a lack of awareness or consideration for the feelings of others.

callous

This alternative implies a hardened and indifferent attitude towards others' suffering.

heartless

This alternative suggests a complete absence of feeling or sympathy.

cold-hearted

This alternative suggests a lack of warmth or affection, often associated with cruelty.

merciless

This alternative implies a lack of pity or forgiveness, often in the context of punishment or judgment.

pitiless

This alternative is a close synonym of "merciless", emphasizing the absence of pity.

FAQs

How can I use "uncompassionate" in a sentence?

You can use "uncompassionate" to describe a person, action, or system that lacks compassion. For instance, "The politician's uncompassionate policies harmed the most vulnerable citizens" or "His uncompassionate response to her grief was shocking".

What are some synonyms for "uncompassionate"?

Alternatives to "uncompassionate" include "insensitive", "callous", "heartless", "unsympathetic", and "lacking compassion". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "uncompassionate" or "without compassion"?

"Uncompassionate" is a direct adjective, while "without compassion" is a phrase. Both are grammatically correct, but "uncompassionate" is more concise. The choice depends on the desired tone and style of your writing.

How does "uncompassionate" differ from "cruel"?

"Uncompassionate" implies a lack of empathy or concern, while "cruel" suggests an active intent to cause harm or suffering. Someone can be "uncompassionate" without being deliberately cruel, and vice versa.