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Inhumanity: meaning, definitions and examples

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inhumanity

 

[ɪnˈhjuːˈmænɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

lack of compassion

Inhumanity refers to the quality or state of being without compassion or mercy towards others. It involves behaving in a cruel, unfeeling, or brutal manner, often resulting in harm or suffering to those affected.

Synonyms

brutality, cruelty, heartlessness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inhumanity

Refers to severe and shockingly cruel behavior, often implying a level of atrocity beyond normal human capacity, and can be used interchangeably with inhumanity in many contexts.

  • They could not believe the inhumanity of the torture methods disclosed in the report.
  • The stories of inhumanity during the genocide were heartbreaking.
cruelty

Applies to actions or behaviors that intentionally cause suffering or pain, usually to individuals or animals. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • Animal cruelty is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
  • Her cruelty towards her coworkers eventually led to her dismissal.
brutality

Often refers to intense physical or emotional violence; commonly associated with actions that are savage and merciless.

  • The police were accused of brutality during the protests.
  • He survived the brutality of the attack but was forever changed.
heartlessness

Describes a complete lack of compassion, empathy, or kindness, usually in personal interactions. Typically used in a negative sense.

  • His heartlessness in breaking up with her via text message was shocking.
  • The heartlessness of the corporation's layoffs left many families struggling.

Examples of usage

  • The inhumanity of the dictator's regime shocked the world.
  • The inhumanity of the treatment towards the refugees was heartbreaking.
Context #2 | Noun

extreme cruelty

Inhumanity can also refer to extreme cruelty or barbarity in actions, showing a complete disregard for the well-being or rights of others. It is often associated with atrocities and inhumane treatment.

Synonyms

atrocity, barbarity, savagery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inhumanity

Highlights acts or behavior that lack compassion, often against those in vulnerable positions.

  • The inhumanity of leaving the elderly without care was unacceptable.
  • She was appalled by the inhumanity shown towards the refugees.
atrocity

Refers to an extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury, often used when describing acts during wars or conflicts.

  • The historical records documented the atrocities committed during the war.
  • The international community condemned the atrocity as a war crime.
barbarity

Used for describing acts of extreme cruelty that are perceived as uncivilized or primitive.

  • The barbarity of the invasion left the country in ruins.
  • The legend spoke of the barbarity of ancient tribes who knew no mercy.
savagery

Describes violent and fierce behavior or acts, often implying a lack of civilized restraint.

  • The savagery of the attack stunned the peaceful community.
  • His sudden outburst of savagery was completely unexpected.

Examples of usage

  • The inhumanity of war knows no bounds.
  • The inhumanity of the crime left the community in shock.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, many wars have shown inhumanity where people were treated very harshly, especially during the World Wars.
  • The Holocaust is one of the darkest examples of inhumanity, where millions of people suffered due to hatred and discrimination.
  • The Transatlantic Slave Trade exemplified inhumanity, as many were forced into slavery with brutality and disregarded for their humanity.

Literature

  • Many authors, like Charles Dickens and George Orwell, have highlighted inhumanity in their works to expose moral failures in society.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, themes of inhumanity often emerge through the actions of power-hungry characters, portraying moral decline.
  • In 'Night', Elie Wiesel details personal experiences of inhumanity during the Holocaust, emphasizing the need for compassion and humanity.

Psychology

  • Psychological theories suggest that inhumanity can arise from dehumanization, where individuals are viewed as less than human, reducing empathy.
  • Research shows that extreme conditions, like war or poverty, can lead individuals to justify inhumane actions as survival mechanisms.
  • The Milgram experiment illustrated how regular people could commit inhumane acts under pressure from authority figures, raising questions of morality.

Pop Culture

  • Films like 'Schindler's List' and 'Hotel Rwanda' powerfully depict instances of inhumanity and provoke discussions about human rights.
  • The phrase 'Never Again' emerged after atrocities like the Holocaust and signals a cultural commitment to prevent future inhumanity.
  • Music and art, such as the song 'Zombie' by the Cranberries, address themes of inhumanity in society, particularly in war-torn areas.

Human Rights

  • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created to safeguard against inhumanity, outlining fundamental rights every person should have.
  • Organizations like Amnesty International work tirelessly to highlight and combat inhumanity worldwide, advocating for those affected.
  • Acts of inhumanity are often recorded and highlighted by human rights activists to call attention to social injustice and encourage change.

Translations

Translations of the word "inhumanity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desumanidade

🇮🇳 अमानवीयता

🇩🇪 Unmenschlichkeit

🇮🇩 kemanusiaan

🇺🇦 нелюдяність

🇵🇱 nieludzkość

🇯🇵 非人間性 (hinin'ensei)

🇫🇷 inhumanité

🇪🇸 inhumanidad

🇹🇷 insanlık dışı

🇰🇷 비인간성 (biinganseong)

🇸🇦 غير إنسانية

🇨🇿 nelidskost

🇸🇰 neľudskosť

🇨🇳 非人性 (fēi rénxìng)

🇸🇮 nečlovečnost

🇮🇸 ómannúð

🇰🇿 адамгершіліксіздік

🇬🇪 არაადამიანობა

🇦🇿 qeyri-insanlıq

🇲🇽 inhumanidad

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,922, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.