Callously

Callously describes acting in a way that shows a cruel and insensitive disregard for others; behaving without empathy or compassion. It signifies a hardness of heart, where actions are undertaken without concern for the suffering or feelings of others. This behavior can manifest in various forms, from dismissing someone's emotions to causing direct harm without remorse. The word often implies a deliberate choice to ignore the impact of one's actions on those around them, rooted in a lack of understanding or care for human emotions. Its usage paints a picture of detached cruelty, highlighting a profound absence of kindness or sensitivity in conduct. The motivation behind acting callously can range from self-interest to outright malice, but the effect remains the same: causing pain or indifference to the suffering of others.

Callously meaning with examples

• The CEO callously announced mass layoffs right before the holidays, offering no severance or support for the affected employees, demonstrating a complete lack of empathy for their financial distress. This decision highlighted the corporation's priorities, with profit superseding the well-being of its staff.
• Despite the child's obvious distress, the bully callously continued to taunt and ridicule them, showing no remorse or understanding of the emotional damage they were inflicting. The other children watched, shocked by the cruelty displayed in the situation.
• The landlord callously evicted the elderly woman from her apartment, despite her struggles to pay rent due to health issues. Ignoring her plea for compassion, they prioritized profit, leaving her homeless and abandoned, displaying severe insensitivity.
• The politician callously dismissed the concerns of the protestors, labeling their issues as insignificant and irrelevant, while making no efforts to understand their hardships. Their actions were designed to belittle the movement without resolving it.
• The soldier callously disregarded the civilian casualties during the offensive, justifying the collateral damage as a necessary evil for military goals. This resulted in accusations of disregarding the value of human life for achieving broader strategic objectives.