unfeeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'unfeeling' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means lacking sensitivity or empathy, not showing emotions or feelings. It can also describe something that does not evoke any strong emotions or reactions. Example: The unfeeling response from the company's customer service department left me feeling frustrated and disappointed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those who run up debts are assumed to be profligate and those who chase them down mercenary and unfeeling.

The Economist

But he was essentially harmless — small-minded but not meanspirited, ignorant but not unfeeling.

The New York Times - Arts

In an editorial, The New York Times said Mr. Greenspan's comments "dramatized the administration's basic misperceptions" and said they were "unfeeling".

The New York Times

He seems to think an embryo is like a fetus — a tiny human being — rather than what it is: a clump of a few dozen cells, invisible without a microscope, unthinking and unfeeling.

The New York Times - Books

In "Second Honeymoon," meanwhile, new at No. 2, James Patterson and Howard Roughan imagine a serial killer with a thing for newlyweds; the book opens with one unlucky couple locked in a sauna-turned-gas-chamber as "unfeeling" eyes watch from the other side of the door.

The New York Times - Books

Just as those whose hands and feet are "unfeeling" are not bothered by injuries to their own limbs, so do those who are ethically "unfeeling" fail to show concern for other humans.

SEP

Epictetus' conception of emotional adjustment is not that one should be "unfeeling like a statue" (3.2.4).

SEP

6 Naturally there is a lot of disagreement in a partnership, but make certain you're on the same side when battling outside forces: money; unfeeling authority; intractable bureaucracy; strangers who have parked stupidly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His rumpled blokeishness could help to persuade voters that the Tories are more than a bunch of unfeeling toffs.

The Economist

But Mr Aquino is under fire for seeming complacent, somewhat unfeeling and for trying to pass the buck.

The Economist

Britain, he reckons, needs a dose of "muscular citizenship"—meaning that ordinary folk should be more willing and able to take on unfeeling bureaucracy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's actions, use "unfeeling" to emphasize their lack of emotional response or consideration for others. For example: "The CEO's "unfeeling" decision to lay off employees before the holidays sparked public outrage."

Common error

Avoid using "unfeeling" when you mean "disinterested". "Unfeeling" refers to a lack of emotion, while "disinterested" means impartial or unbiased. For instance, an "unfeeling" judge would show no empathy, while a "disinterested" judge would not have a personal stake in the case.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unfeeling" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing a quality of lacking emotion, empathy, or compassion. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correctly and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "unfeeling" describes a lack of emotion, empathy, or compassion. Ludwig AI validates its correct and frequent usage across diverse sources. It's primarily used in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, with a neutral formality level. While grammatically sound, it's important to differentiate it from "disinterested". Related terms include "lacking empathy" and "devoid of feeling". Be mindful to use "unfeeling" when you want to highlight a negative trait, such as a lack of emotional response or concern. Frequent questions surround its proper usage and suitable alternatives, making this comprehensive guide a valuable resource.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insensitive

Suggests a lack of awareness or consideration for the feelings of others, less harsh than "unfeeling".

unsympathetic

Directly states the absence of sympathy or understanding.

emotionless

Describes a state of being without any visible or expressed emotions.

lacking empathy

Specifically highlights the absence of understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

without compassion

Focuses on the absence of sympathy and concern for those suffering.

detached

Suggests a lack of emotional involvement or connection.

devoid of feeling

Emphasizes the complete absence of emotion, stronger than "unfeeling".

callous

Implies a hardened and indifferent attitude towards others' suffering.

heartless

Similar to cold-hearted, emphasizing the absence of warmth and kindness.

cold-hearted

Implies a deliberate and cruel lack of feeling, more negative than "unfeeling".

FAQs

How can I use "unfeeling" in a sentence?

You can use "unfeeling" to describe someone who lacks empathy or consideration for others' feelings. For example, "His "unfeeling" remark about her loss was incredibly hurtful".

What's a good alternative to saying someone is "unfeeling"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "insensitive", "callous", or "heartless" to convey a similar meaning. Each of these words carries slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to describe an object as "unfeeling"?

Yes, "unfeeling" can be used to describe objects or systems that lack emotional connection or response. For example, "the "unfeeling" vastness of space" or "the "unfeeling" bureaucracy of the government".

What is the difference between "unfeeling" and "apathy"?

"Unfeeling" is an adjective describing a lack of emotion or empathy, while "apathy" is a noun referring to a state of indifference or lack of concern. You can say someone is "unfeeling" due to "apathy".