Callous
/ˈkæləs/
Definitions
Showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
/ˈkæləs/
His callous treatment of the employees led to a strike.
💡 Simply: Not caring about others' feelings; cruel.
More Examples
The callous disregard for human life was shocking.
How It's Used
"The callous dictator showed no remorse for his actions."
"Her callous disregard for the feelings of others was striking."
From Middle English *callus*, from Old French *callos*, from Latin *callōsus* "hardened, thick-skinned", from *callum* "hard skin, callus".
The word has been used to describe insensitive behavior since the Middle Ages, but its usage has increased in frequency in modern times, reflecting a greater awareness of emotional intelligence.
Memory tip
Think of a callus – hard and insensitive to touch; a callous person is similarly insensitive to others' feelings.
Word Origin
"hardened skin"