inhumanity

noun

in·​hu·​man·​i·​ty ˌin-(ˌ)hyü-ˈma-nə-tē How to pronounce inhumanity (audio)
-(ˌ)yü-
plural inhumanities
Synonyms of inhumanitynext
1
a
: the quality or state of being cruel or barbarous
b
: a cruel or barbarous act
2
: absence of warmth or geniality : impersonality

Examples of inhumanity in a Sentence

man's inhumanity to man has been a recurring theme in human history
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.
His cinema verite style powerfully exposed the horrific inhumanity of public institutions (like hospitals, schools and housing projects) supposedly created to help people. Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026 Short’s personality and complexity, attributes long discarded as her life became bastardized, stand in stark contrast to the inhumanity of her death. Nathan Smith, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026 Once normalized, inhumanity – recast as efficiency – arguably became the defining logic of modern management: extracting ever more output to enrich owners, regardless of the human toll. Valerie L. Myers, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026 In the world of The Bone Temple, the infected are no longer the greatest threat to survival; the inhumanity of the survivors can be stranger and more terrifying. Robert Lang, Deadline, 27 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inhumanity

Word History

First Known Use

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

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

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Cite this Entry

“Inhumanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhumanity. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

inhumanity

noun
in·​hu·​man·​i·​ty ˌin-(ˌ)hyü-ˈman-ət-ē How to pronounce inhumanity (audio)
-(ˌ)yü-
plural inhumanities
: a cruel or barbarous act or attitude

More from Merriam-Webster on inhumanity

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