Inhumane Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：lacking compassion (inhumane)

inhumane 🔊

/ˌɪn.hjuːˈmeɪn/

adj.

Treating people or animals in a way that shows no kindness or concern for their pain, like they're not even human.

Inhumane battery cage farm with crowded hens in small wire cages

lacking compassion 🔊

➕

/ˈlækɪŋ kəmˈpæʃən/

adj.

Describes treatment or behavior that shows a complete disregard for the suffering of others, as if they are not human.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'inhumānus' (cruel, barbarous), from 'in-' (not) + 'humānus' (human, kind).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'in' + 'human' = not human. Imagine a person acting without any compassion, like a cold machine.

📖 Example

Many animal rights activists argue that keeping animals in extremely small cages in factory farming is inhumane. 🔊 According to many animal rights activists, confining animals to extremely small cages in factory farms is an inhumane practice.

🔗 Collocations

inhumane treatment – cruel and unfeeling handling of someone or something

inhumane conditions – living or working environments that cause severe suffering

inhumane act – a deed that shows no mercy or sympathy

🔄 Synonyms

cruel (adj.) – Willing to cause pain or suffering to others

brutal (adj.) – Savage and violent, showing no human feeling

inhuman (adj.) – Lacking the qualities of kindness and compassion expected of humans

🚫 Antonyms

humane (adj.) – Showing kindness, care, and sympathy towards others

compassionate (adj.) – Feeling or showing concern for the suffering of others

kind (adj.) – Generous, friendly, and considerate

🌱 Derivatives

inhumanity (n.) – Cruel and unfeeling behavior or treatment

inhumanely (adv.) – In a manner that is cruel and without compassion

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'inhumānus'. In Ancient Rome, it described actions lacking the kindness expected of civilized humans, often applied to slavery or warfare.