Callous – Definition, Meaning and Synonyms

Definition of Callous (adjective)

Callous is an adjective to describe someone or something showing a lack of empathy, sensitivity, or concern for the feelings or suffering of others. It often implies emotional hardness or cruelty.

Examples

• The callous manager ignored the workers’ complaints.
• Her callous remarks hurt everyone at the meeting.
• He showed a callous disregard for animal welfare.
• The decision to fire them was callous.
• The soldier’s callous behaviour shocked his comrades.
• Her callous indifference to the tragedy was disturbing.
• His callous attitude alienated his friends.
• The corporation’s callous policies harmed countless families.

Meaning

• emotionally hardened.
• unfeeling.

Pronunciation

• UK: /ˈkæl.əs/ (KAL-uhs)
• US: /ˈkæl.əs/ (KAL-uhs)

Synonyms

• Insensitive
• Unfeeling
• Heartless
• Cold
• Unsympathetic
• Apathetic
• Ruthless
• Hard-hearted
• Indifferent
• Uncompassionate
• Cruel
• Cold-blooded
• Harsh
• Uncaring
• Pityless

Usage Tips for Callous

• It is used to describe unfeeling, insensitive, or cruel actions.
• It is often associated with people, behaviours, or attitudes.
• Avoid using it for physical objects or trivial matters.

Origin

Callous (1400-1500):

It is derived from the Latin callosus, meaning hardened skin.

Similar Words to Callous

• Insensitive
• Unfeeling
• Heartless
• Ruthless
• Indifferent
• Apathetic
• Cold-hearted
• Uncompassionate
• Cruel
• Unkind

FAQs

Q: What is the meaning of callous in Urdu?

Ans: In Urdu, callous means بے رحم or بے احساس.

Q: How do we use callous in a sentence?

Ans: His callous remarks about her loss shocked everyone at the gathering.

Q: What’s the difference between callous and indifferent?

Ans: Callous implies a lack of empathy or consideration for others’ feelings, while indifferent refers to being uninterested or unconcerned without the cruelty implied by callous.

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