inhumanity
noun
in·hu·man·i·ty
ˌin-(ˌ)hyü-ˈma-nə-tē 
-(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
Synonyms
Examples of inhumanity in a Sentence
man's inhumanity to man has been a recurring theme in human history
Recent Examples on the Web
There are cultures that don’t read books where there is not that kind of inhumanity.
—
Amy Sutherland, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Mar. 2023
Director Edward Berger's take on the material is the first to be filmed in German, adding a layer of authenticity and making for a blistering, heart-rending cinematic effort that drives home the horror and inhumanity of war.
—WIRED, 10 Feb. 2023
An artifact from The Clotilda.Alabama Historical Commission The Clotilda’s saga is awash with humanity, underscored by the inhumanity of the institution of slavery.
—Donna M. Owens, NBC News, 8 July 2023
In the end, Bishop said, the situation doesn’t show her son’s inhumanity.
—John Archibald | Jarchibald@al.com, al, 22 Mar. 2023
For some, that raised the specter of a dystopian future where computers streamed music made by computers, a perfect circle of inhumanity.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2023
Meanwhile, its Center for Family History offers in-person and virtual resources that go beyond census papers to trace lineage via bills of sale, property ownership and other records that in themselves drive home the chattel labor trade’s inhumanity.
—Devon M. Sayers, CNN, 19 June 2023
But even when faced with people’s inhumanity to other creatures, some New Yorkers see opportunity.
—Katherine Rosman, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2023
The powerful and frequently official forces of inhumanity are often exposed and ridiculed in the art of Alcaraz, 58, who on Tuesday evening will be honored at the Library of Congress, becoming the first Latino cartoonist to receive the Herblock Prize.
—Washington Post, 26 Apr. 2022
See More
Amy Sutherland, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Mar. 2023
Director Edward Berger's take on the material is the first to be filmed in German, adding a layer of authenticity and making for a blistering, heart-rending cinematic effort that drives home the horror and inhumanity of war.
—WIRED, 10 Feb. 2023
An artifact from The Clotilda.Alabama Historical Commission The Clotilda’s saga is awash with humanity, underscored by the inhumanity of the institution of slavery.
—Donna M. Owens, NBC News, 8 July 2023
In the end, Bishop said, the situation doesn’t show her son’s inhumanity.
—John Archibald | Jarchibald@al.com, al, 22 Mar. 2023
For some, that raised the specter of a dystopian future where computers streamed music made by computers, a perfect circle of inhumanity.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2023
Meanwhile, its Center for Family History offers in-person and virtual resources that go beyond census papers to trace lineage via bills of sale, property ownership and other records that in themselves drive home the chattel labor trade’s inhumanity.
—Devon M. Sayers, CNN, 19 June 2023
But even when faced with people’s inhumanity to other creatures, some New Yorkers see opportunity.
—Katherine Rosman, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2023
The powerful and frequently official forces of inhumanity are often exposed and ridiculed in the art of Alcaraz, 58, who on Tuesday evening will be honored at the Library of Congress, becoming the first Latino cartoonist to receive the Herblock Prize.
—Washington Post, 26 Apr. 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inhumanity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Dictionary Entries Near inhumanity
Cite this Entry
“Inhumanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhumanity. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.
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Kids Definition
inhumanity
noun
in·hu·man·i·ty
ˌin-(ˌ)hyü-ˈman-ət-ē
-(ˌ)yü-
plural inhumanities
: a cruel or barbarous act or attitude
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