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inhumane

A2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɪnhjuːmˈeɪn/

US

  • /ˌɪnhjuˈmeɪn/

Description

To describe something as inhumane means it is very cruel and shows no proper care for people or animals. It is used for treatment or conditions that ignore suffering and basic dignity. Think of a place where people are left hungry, cold, or afraid for a long time; calling it inhumane shows that the harm is serious, not minor.

The word is often used in serious situations. We might describe prison conditions as inhumane if they are dirty, overcrowded, or unsafe, and we might use it for torture or extreme neglect. It does more than say something is mean. It says there is a clear failure to treat living beings with the care they deserve.

Examples

  1. 1

    Prison conditions

    Many people called the prison conditions inhumane.

  2. 2

    Animal neglect

    Leaving animals outside without food or water is inhumane.

  3. 3

    Worker treatment

    The report described the factory's treatment of workers as inhumane.

  4. 4

    Medical care

    Doctors said it would be inhumane to deny the patient pain relief.

  5. 5

    Policy criticism

    Critics argue that the new policy is not just harsh but inhumane.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • inhumaneadjective