Unhuman

Referring to something that lacks the qualities considered typical of humans, such as compassion, reason, or empathy; resembling or characteristic of something not human, often implying a monstrous or alien nature. It can also denote actions or states that are beyond human understanding or capacity. The term is used to express inhumanity, cruelty, or behavior deemed morally reprehensible, highlighting a departure from accepted human standards. It suggests a lack of connection to shared human experiences and emotions.

Unhuman meaning with examples

• The creature's eyes held an unhuman glint, devoid of any recognition or understanding, as it stalked through the shadows. Its actions displayed a cold, calculated precision that transcended the boundaries of natural predators and evoked a sense of dread and an unearthly presence.
• The relentless efficiency of the robotic workforce felt strangely unhuman, their tireless labor offering no trace of fatigue, emotion, or the shared breaks of the workers they replaced. The lack of need for compensation, rest, or social interaction led to an eerie unsettling effect.
• The torture inflicted was so brutal and gratuitous, it became unhuman. The cruelty was an utter violation of all moral codes. The victims faced suffering in ways that defied comprehension.
• Witnessing the sheer scale of the destruction and loss, the survivor experienced a form of unhuman detachment, numb and unable to process the trauma. The scale and scope of the tragedy were completely beyond human understanding, rendering the usual emotional responses inadequate.