callous

Definition

Emotionally hardened; unfeeling and indifferent to the suffering/feelings of others.

Etymology

From Latin callōsus (“hard-skinned”), from callum (“hardened skin”) + -ōsus.

Example Sentences

• "She was so callous that she could criticise a cancer patient for wearing a wig."
• "Re-watching some of the audition rounds of these shows now, you're struck by how callous the judges' comments often were, and how they presented a cruel spectacle in which the audience were set up to laugh at the "deluded" members of the public who believed they could sing."

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