inhuman

adjective in·hu·man \ (ˌ)in-ˈhyü-mən , -ˈyü- \

Definition of inhuman

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

play \(ˌ)in-ˈhyü-mən-nəs, -ˈyü-\ noun

See inhuman defined for English-language learners

See inhuman defined for kids

Examples of inhuman in a Sentence

He let out an inhuman moan.
She had an almost inhuman desire to succeed.

Recent Examples of inhuman from the Web

Understanding why long-time GoT fans may feel uneven about an inhuman force possibly becoming the ultimate big bad is easy (GQ has said all season long the show deserves a better villain).

— nathan mattise, Ars Technica, "An appreciation of Game of Thrones‘ White Walkers from a zombie diehard," 29 Aug. 2017
Does our yellow sun provide him with inhuman powers?

— david french, National Review, "Politicize Sports, Pay the Price," 28 July 2017
There's a black Watson and Holmes series; a black NBA player turned inhuman, Mosaic; and a terrific black interpretation of the Frankenstein story called Victor LaValle's Destroyer.

— kareem abdul-jabbar, The Hollywood Reporter, "Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 3 Ways to Build a Better Black Superhero," 21 July 2017
Both stories focus on the sometimes inhuman treatment of pledges by older frat members.

— tirdad derakhshani, Philly.com, "Willow Grove author sues writers, Netflix for allegedly stealing his story for frat film," 20 July 2017
Why not watermelon pizza, or cantaloupe pizza, or some other inhuman creation?

— the tylt, OregonLive.com, "Does pineapple belong on a pizza?," 7 July 2017
The efficient, inhuman, and monotonous buildings of the second half of the 20th century bear witness to the extent to which hospital design became a tool to facilitate medicine rather than a therapy in itself.

— jeanne kisacky, Smithsonian, "When Fresh Air Went Out of Fashion at Hospitals," 14 June 2017
Trout looked inhuman in 2017, but now his season will be marred by injury, one of the pathetic trappings of humanity.

— ted berg, USA TODAY, "These are the saddest of possible words: Mike Trout is out 6-8 weeks," 30 May 2017
Freeways cut up the neighborhood, which in 1961 became home to the inhuman concrete tangle known as the East L.A. Interchange.

— alexander nazaryan, Newsweek, "The 'Artwashing' of America: The Battle for the Soul of Los Angeles Against Gentrification," 21 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inhuman.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of inhuman

Middle English inhumayne, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French inhumain, from Latin inhumanus, from in- + humanus human

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

inhuman Synonyms

Synonyms

bitter, brutal, burdensome, cruel, excruciating, grievous, grim, hard, hardhanded, heavy, harsh, murderous, onerous, oppressive, rough, rugged, searing, severe, stiff, tough, trying

Antonyms

easy, light, soft

Near Antonyms

comfortable, cozy, luxurious, snug; agreeable, friendly, genial, hospitable, pleasant; peaceful, relaxing, reposeful, restful; bearable, endurable, painless, tolerable; balmy, calm, clement, gentle, mild, moderate, temperate

INHUMAN Defined for English Language Learners

inhuman

adjective

Definition of inhuman for English Language Learners

: very fierce or cruel
: having or showing no interest in individual people or their feelings : lacking emotional warmth
: not good enough for people to use or live in : extremely poor, dirty, or unhealthy