Cruelly: meaning, definitions and examples

When someone behaves in a way that causes pain or distress without any concerns for the well-being of others.

• He treated the animals cruelly.
• She spoke cruelly to her classmates.

In situations where someone behaves or speaks in a way that is not nice or considerate, often causing emotional hurt.

• He spoke unkindly to his sister.
• They treated the new student unkindly.

Used when someone acts or speaks with severe strictness or lacks softness, often in situations like criticism or punishment.

• The teacher criticized the student harshly.
• She was treated harshly by her parents.

In situations involving physical violence or extreme harshness, often lacking any sense of pity or compassion.

• The man was brutally attacked in the alley.
• The dictator ruled the country brutally.

When someone acts with complete lack of mercy or pity, often in extreme or relentless situations.

• The comedian was mercilessly mocked after his performance.
• The soldiers were mercilessly attacked.

Describes actions that cause suffering or pain intentionally. Often used to emphasize the harshness and lack of compassion.

• She was treated cruelly by her captors.
• The dictator ruled his country cruelly.

Describes someone who shows no concern or interest in others' feelings or well-being. Less intense than other terms but still negative.

• His uncaring attitude made it difficult to work with him.
• She seemed uncaring about the impact of her actions.

Used to describe someone who shows no kindness or sympathy. Highlights a lack of emotional compassion.

• It was heartless of him to ignore her cries for help.
• His heartless remarks hurt everyone's feelings.

Describes actions or behaviors that are cruel or brutal, often on a larger scale or involving great suffering. Implies a violation of basic human decency.

• The inhumane treatment of prisoners was condemned by international organizations.
• Living conditions in the factory were inhumane.

Refers to taking pleasure in inflicting pain or suffering on others. Has a strong negative connotation.

• The villain in the movie was depicted as sadistic.
• He enjoyed the sadistic pleasure of seeing others in pain.