cold,uncaring,uncompassionate,unemotional,unfeeling,unsympathetic

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insensitive, compassionate, empathetic, sensitive

apathetic,brutal,harsh,heartless,inconsiderate,indifferent,insensitive,merciless,ruthless

callous

adjective

/ˈkæl əs/

IPA

Dictionary definition of callous

Emotionally hardened or unfeeling, showing no sympathy or consideration for others.
"The callous behavior of the bully made the victim feel helpless."

Detailed meaning of callous

A callous person may appear insensitive or indifferent to the needs or feelings of those around them. This term can also be used to describe someone who is physically hardened or tough, as in calloused skin. A callous individual may be perceived as cold or heartless, lacking compassion or empathy. Callousness is often associated with negative qualities such as cruelty, indifference, and selfishness.

Example sentences of callous

1. The callous attitude of the employer towards the workers led to a strike.
2. She was surprised at his callous disregard for her feelings.
3. The politician's callous statements about the poor caused a public outcry.
4. His callous disregard for the environment was evident in his business practices.
5. The callous response of the company to the customer's complaint was disappointing.
6. The callous act of leaving the injured animal on the side of the road was cruel.

History and etymology of callous

The adjective 'callous' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'callosus,' which means 'thick-skinned' or 'hardened.' In Latin, 'callosus' was used to describe physical characteristics, such as having thick or tough skin. Over time, the term began to be applied metaphorically to describe individuals who were emotionally hardened or unfeeling, showing no sympathy or consideration for others. The transition from a physical description to an emotional one highlights the idea that a 'callous' person is figuratively tough or insensitive in their emotions and attitudes. The etymology of 'callous' effectively conveys the concept of emotional hardness and a lack of empathy, emphasizing an individual's insensitivity and indifference towards the feelings and suffering of others.

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Further usage examples of callous

1. The callous behavior of the coach towards the team was unacceptable.
2. She was hurt by his callous comment about her appearance.
3. The callousness of the criminal's actions shocked the community.
4. The callous treatment of patients by the nursing staff was investigated by the hospital administration.
5. The callous disregard for human life shown by the terrorist group was condemned by the international community.
6. His callous remarks wounded her deeply, leaving emotional scars.
7. The callous act shocked everyone present, shaking their faith in humanity.
8. She had a callous disregard for others' feelings, displaying no empathy.
9. Callous behavior alienated him from friends, isolating him further.
10. Such callous indifference is hard to fathom, leaving hearts heavy.
11. The callous boss ignored their pleas, showing no compassion.
12. Callousness tarnished his reputation irreparably, staining his character.
13. Her callous response hurt their relationship, causing irreparable damage.
14. The criminal's callous actions appalled the community, leading to outrage.
15. Callous attitudes have no place in empathy, eroding human connections.
16. A callous attitude erodes trust gradually, breaking bonds silently.
17. His callous decisions affected countless lives, causing untold suffering.
18. Callousness can lead to isolation and loneliness, a self-imposed exile.
19. Callous words can scar deeper than wounds, haunting memories.
20. She displayed a callous disregard for consequences, risking it all.
21. Callous behavior reflects a lack of compassion, dehumanizing others.
22. Such callousness is hard to forgive, leaving wounds unhealed.
23. He showed callous indifference to their struggles, turning a blind eye.
24. The callous supervisor showed no remorse, perpetuating suffering.
25. Callous actions chip away at one's humanity, leaving a void.
26. Her callous treatment left lasting scars, imprinted on souls.
27. Callousness blinds us to others' pain, numbing our hearts.
28. The callous act revealed a dark side, hidden until then.
29. Callous disregard for life is unacceptable, demanding justice.
30. He exhibited callous behavior throughout the ordeal, leaving no room for sympathy.