Callousness: meaning, definitions and examples

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callousness

 

[ ˈkaləsnəs ]

Context #1

lack of empathy

Callousness refers to a lack of empathy or concern for others, especially when it leads to insensitivity or cruelty. It is the quality of being emotionally hardened and indifferent to the suffering of others.

Synonyms

cruelty, heartlessness, indifference

Examples of usage

  • His callousness towards the homeless was evident in his refusal to offer any assistance.
  • She was shocked by the callousness of his remarks about the tragedy.
Context #2

unfeeling behavior

Callousness can also describe unfeeling or uncaring behavior, where a person shows a lack of sympathy or compassion towards others.

Synonyms

coldness, harshness, insensitivity

Examples of usage

  • The callousness of his actions towards his colleagues made it difficult for them to trust him.
  • Her callousness in dealing with her subordinates resulted in a high turnover rate.

Translations

Translations of the word "callousness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insensibilidade

🇮🇳 निर्ममता

🇩🇪 Gefühllosigkeit

🇮🇩 ketidakpekaan

🇺🇦 черствість

🇵🇱 bezduszność

🇯🇵 冷酷

🇫🇷 insensibilité

🇪🇸 insensibilidad

🇹🇷 duygusuzluk

🇰🇷 냉담

🇸🇦 قسوة

🇨🇿 bezohlednost

🇸🇰 bezohľadnosť

🇨🇳 冷漠

🇸🇮 brezobzirnost

🇮🇸 tillitsleysi

🇰🇿 қатігездік

🇬🇪 სიცივილე

🇦🇿 qəddarlıq

🇲🇽 insensibilidad

Word origin

The word 'callousness' originated from the Old French word 'caillosite' and the Latin word 'callosus', both meaning 'hard-skinned'. The term evolved to describe a lack of sensitivity or compassion towards others, emphasizing emotional hardness and indifference.

See also: callosity, callously.