Heartless: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who shows no compassion or care for others' feelings.

• It was heartless of him to leave her alone on such a difficult day.
• She made a heartless remark about their unfortunate situation.

Used when someone intentionally causes pain and suffering, often with a sense of pleasure in doing so. It has a strongly negative connotation.

• The dictator was known for his cruel actions against his people.
• Her cruel words cut him deeply.

Describes someone who lacks emotional sensitivity or concern for others' emotions, often implying a natural incapacity to feel.

• He gave an unfeeling response to her heartfelt plea.
• Her unfeeling nature made it difficult for her to make friends.

Describes someone who is emotionally detached and shows no affection or warmth, similar to 'heartless' but with an added sense of intentional detachment.

• The cold-hearted decision left many employees jobless.
• His cold-hearted response made her feel even worse.

Used when someone is insensitive and indifferent to the suffering of others, often suggesting a hard or thick skin.

• His callous remarks during the meeting shocked everyone.
• She showed a callous disregard for the poor.

Used when someone lacks sympathy or concern for others' difficulties or suffering, often in situations where empathy is expected.

• He was unsympathetic towards the plight of the homeless.
• Her parents were unsympathetic to her struggles at school.