inhumanity

noun

in·​hu·​man·​i·​ty ˌin-(ˌ)hyü-ˈma-nə-tē How to pronounce inhumanity (audio)
-(ˌ)yü-
plural inhumanities
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.
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. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2025 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. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 3 Sep. 2025 Herbert captures remarkable scenes of white visitors indulging in nostalgia for the Confederacy blithely unaware, seemingly, of the violence and inhumanity of the pre-Civil War era when millions of African Americans were enslaved. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2025 The photograph captures, like few others, war’s raw violence, inhumanity, and despair. Gary Knight, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 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 2 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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