inhuman
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April 23, 2025
The difference between inhuman and inhumane is largely a matter of degree, with “inhuman” generally representing a higher level of cruelty or a complete lack of human qualities compared to “inhumane”.
While they are often used interchangeably to mean cruel or unfeeling, careful usage distinguishes them based on intensity and scope.
Inhuman implies not possible by a human actor (the strength to lift the truck was inhuman). Inhumane is clearly in the real of human possibility but is cruel (the policy was inhumane).
While they are often used interchangeably to mean cruel or unfeeling, careful usage distinguishes them based on intensity and scope.
Inhuman implies not possible by a human actor (the strength to lift the truck was inhuman). Inhumane is clearly in the real of human possibility but is cruel (the policy was inhumane).
Rate of Appearance in English Language Print
Google's Ngram project shows how often a pair of words has appeared in print every year since the 1800's.
Data from Google Books Ngram Viewer. Licensed under CC BY 3.0.
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