Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Unfeelingly: meaning, definitions and examples

❄️
Add to dictionary

unfeelingly

 

[ˌʌnˈfiːlɪŋli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a cold and indifferent manner

Without compassion or sympathy; coldly and unemotionally.

Synonyms

callously, coldly, heartlessly, indifferently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unfeelingly

Use this word when referring to actions or behaviors performed without any emotion or sensitivity.

  • She spoke to him unfeelingly, not caring about his feelings.
  • The manager unfeelingly dismissed the employee without considering their personal circumstances.
coldly

This word fits well when describing an emotionless or detached manner, often implying a lack of warmth or affection.

  • She coldly refused his invitation to dinner.
  • He coldly informed her of the bad news without showing any compassion.
indifferently

Good for situations where someone shows a lack of interest or concern about something, but not necessarily in a cruel way.

  • He indifferently shrugged when asked about the charity event.
  • She indifferently watched as the argument unfolded, not taking any side.
heartlessly

This word is ideal for describing actions that are particularly mean-spirited or cruel, showing no pity or kindness. It has a strong negative connotation.

  • She heartlessly broke up with him over a text message.
  • The villain heartlessly laughed at the suffering he caused.
callously

Best used to describe behavior that is cruel and shows a lack of empathy or concern for others. Often has a negative connotation.

  • He callously ignored the homeless man asking for help.
  • The executive callously decided to cut healthcare benefits for the entire staff.

Examples of usage

  • She unfeelingly rejected his apology.
  • The dictator unfeelingly ordered the execution of innocent people.
  • They unfeelingly ignored the suffering of the refugees.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'unfeelingly' is derived from 'unfeeling', which combines the prefix 'un-', meaning not, with 'feeling', relating to emotions.
  • Its roots can be traced back to Old English where 'feol’ highlighted the ability to perceive emotional states.

Psychology

  • People who act unfeelingly may be perceived as emotionally detached, often leading to difficulties in forming personal relationships.
  • Certain psychological conditions, such as alexithymia, affect the ability to identify and express emotions, resulting in unfeeling behavior.
  • Research indicates that people who consistently show unfeeling traits can face social isolation due to their perceived lack of empathy.

Literature

  • Unfeeling characters often serve as antagonists in literature, showcasing a stark contrast to empathetic protagonists.
  • Classic novels sometimes depict unfeelingly behavior to highlight themes of emotional conflict and the consequences of lacking compassion.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, unfeelingly characters often embody the archetype of the 'cold-hearted villain', making them memorable and easy to dislike.
  • Songs about heartbreak often depict unfeeling responses to love, personifying the emotional numbness that can occur after pain.

Philosophy

  • The concept of being unfeelingly can raise ethical questions about moral responsibility and the importance of empathy in a society.
  • Philosophers often explore what it means to live a good life, and a lack of emotional connection is frequently viewed as detrimental to well-being.

Translations

Translations of the word "unfeelingly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insensivelmente

🇮🇳 निर्दयता से

🇩🇪 gefühllos

🇮🇩 tanpa perasaan

🇺🇦 байдужо

🇵🇱 bezdusznie

🇯🇵 無感情に

🇫🇷 insensiblement

🇪🇸 insensiblemente

🇹🇷 duygusuzca

🇰🇷 무감각하게

🇸🇦 بلا شعور

🇨🇿 necitelivě

🇸🇰 necitelne

🇨🇳 冷漠地

🇸🇮 nečustveno

🇮🇸 tilfinningalaust

🇰🇿 сезімсіз

🇬🇪 უგრძნეულოდ

🇦🇿 hissizcə

🇲🇽 insensiblemente

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,613, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.