cruelty

noun
UK: /ˈkruːəl.ti/
US: /ˈkruːəl.ti/

  1. Behavior that causes pain or suffering to others; lack of sympathy.

    1. The cruelty of the punishment was shocking to everyone.
    2. Animal cruelty is a serious issue that needs to be addressed promptly and efficiently.

  2. A cruel act or event; something that causes pain and suffering.

    1. His cruelty made her very sad and worried.
    2. The unnecessary cruelty of the war affected the mental health of the entire country.

Synonyms

brutality savagery inhumanity sadism

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "cruelty" in English means: Behavior that causes pain or suffering to others; lack of sympathy., A cruel act or event; something that causes pain and suffering..

The phonetic transcription of "cruelty" is /ˈkruːəl.ti/ in British English and /ˈkruːəl.ti/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "cruelty": brutality, savagery, inhumanity, sadism.

Example usage of "cruelty": "The cruelty of the punishment was shocking to everyone.". More examples on the page.