inhuman

adjective

in·​hu·​man (ˌ)in-ˈhyü-mən 

-ˈyü-

1

a

: lacking pity, kindness, or mercy : savage

an inhuman tyrant

b

: cold, impersonal

… his usual quiet, almost inhuman courtesy.

—F. 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

(ˌ)in-ˈhyü-mən-nəs 

-ˈyü-

noun

Synonyms of inhuman

• oppressive
• harsh
• brutal
• tough
• searing
• cruel
• hard
• severe
• rough
• grim
• murderous

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

Policing is, now, an inhuman practice in both an ethical and a technical sense. — Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026

Powering some of the most destructive and inhuman forces in the world. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

Despite trying to break glass, rip through the foundation, and forcibly remove the door, something of the supernatural or at least thoroughly inhuman sort is keeping them inside. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026

The State Department had designated and sanctioned Ghezel Hesar Prison in 2024 for gross human rights violations and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of prisoners. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026

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

Rhymes for inhuman

• acumen
• albumen
• albumin
• bitumen
• cerumen
• curcumin
• illumine
• nonhuman
• subhuman
• crewman
• crewmen
• cumin

Kids Definition

inhuman

adjective

in·​hu·​man (ˈ)in-ˈhyü-mən 

-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