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 of inhumanity

• cruelty
• brutality

Examples of inhumanity in a Sentence

man's inhumanity to man has been a recurring theme in human history

Recent Examples on the Web

But the level of violence, the level of inhumanity, the level of atrocity in Iran, is what moves me. —Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026

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

The speech is about the humanity of immigrants and the inhumanity of trying to turn them away. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 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

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for inhumanity

• christianity
• humanity
• inanity
• insanity
• profanity
• urbanity
• sanity
• vanity

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