inhumane
/ˌɪnhjuːˈmeɪn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪnhjuːˈmeɪn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌin-(ˌ)hyü-ˈmān -(ˌ)yü-/ (ame, mw)
inhumane — adjective
- inhumanepositive
- more inhumanecomparative
- most inhumanesuperlative
1. showing a complete lack of kindness toward people or animals, causing them unnec
showing a complete lack of kindness toward people or animals, causing them unnecessary pain or suffering
The farm was shut down after inspectors found inhumane conditions in the livestock sheds.
collocation: inhumane conditions
Rosa called the new immigration policy inhumane because it separated children from their parents.
call + noun + adjective
Vikram could not believe the inhumane working hours the textile factory demanded of its staff.
The court ruled that keeping prisoners in tiny concrete cells for years was inhumane treatment.
Lucia signed a petition against the inhumane practice of keeping wild animals in tiny cages.
- cruel
broader term that can describe people or actions; inhumane specifically suggests a lack of basic human decency
- brutal
emphasizes physical violence; inhumane can also apply to neglect or harsh systems without physical force
- heartless
focuses on emotional coldness; inhumane is more about causing suffering than lacking feeling
- barbaric
suggests primitive savagery; inhumane is broader and less extreme in connotation
- humane
showing kindness and care toward people or animals
- compassionate
emphasizes concern for others' suffering
- kind
general term; more basic level A1 word for gentle and caring behaviour
用法筆記
Inhumane typically describes systems, conditions, or practices rather than individual people as permanent character traits. It is common in discussions of animal welfare, prison reform, labour rights, and immigration policy.