1
Core quality
Showing cruel or insensitive disregard for other people's feelings or suffering.
Example
The official's callous remark angered displaced families.
callous
/ˈkæləs/ · KAL-usadjective
Showing cruel or insensitive disregard for other people's feelings or suffering.
Use callous to express this relationship precisely: showing cruel or insensitive disregard for other people's feelings or suffering.
What callous Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Ignoring the injured workers would be callous.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The character appears distant but not entirely callous.
Use callous Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The official's callous remark angered displaced families.
Ignoring the injured workers would be callous.
The character appears distant but not entirely callous.
Precision Matters
Callous overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
callous
vs.Means showing cruel or insensitive disregard for other people's feelings or suffering.
indifferent
Means without interest, concern, or preference; unaffected.
callous
vs.Means showing cruel or insensitive disregard for other people's feelings or suffering.
misanthropic
Means distrustful of, disliking, or avoiding humanity and human society.
callous
vs.Means showing cruel or insensitive disregard for other people's feelings or suffering.
magnanimous
Means generous, forgiving, and noble in spirit, especially toward a rival or defeated opponent.
callous
vs.Means showing cruel or insensitive disregard for other people's feelings or suffering.
amiable
Means friendly, pleasant, and good-natured.
Test callous in Context
It displays insensitive disregard for their suffering.
1
The decision to cancel aid without warning seemed especially ___ to families in crisis.