inhuman

adjective

in·​hu·​man (ˌ)in-ˈhyü-mən How to pronounce inhuman (audio)
-ˈyü-
1
a
: lacking pity, kindness, or mercy : savage
an inhuman tyrant
b
: cold, impersonal
his usual quiet, almost inhuman courtesyF. Tennyson Jesse
c
: not worthy of or conforming to the needs of human beings
inhuman living conditions
2
: of or suggesting a nonhuman class of beings
inhumanly adverb
inhumanness noun

Examples of inhuman in a Sentence

He let out an inhuman moan. She had an almost inhuman desire to succeed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These included conspiracy to mete out cruel and inhuman treatment to civilian detainees, including U.S. citizens, during the Syrian civil war that began in 2011. Kanishka Singh, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024 The big picture: The charges of conspiracy to commit a war crime of cruel and inhuman treatment against former Syrian Air Force Intelligence officers Jamil Hassan, 72, and Abdul Salam Mahmoud, 65, mark the first time the U.S. has brought charges against Assad officials for human rights abuses. Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 10 Dec. 2024 The report also alleged that people were tortured, held in inhuman conditions and given fines. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024 The mother of Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister called it ‘inhuman’ on TV. Phil Hay, The Athletic, 15 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for inhuman 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English inhumayne, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French inhumain, from Latin inhumanus, from in- + humanus human

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of inhuman was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near inhuman

Cite this Entry

“Inhuman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhuman. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

inhuman

adjective
in·​hu·​man (ˈ)in-ˈhyü-mən How to pronounce inhuman (audio)
-ˈyü-
1
a
: lacking pity or kindness : savage
b
: lacking human warmth : impersonal
c
: not fit for human needs
inhuman conditions
2
: unlike what is typically human
an inhuman cry
inhumanly adverb
inhumanness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on inhuman

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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