cruel
word
/ˈkɹuəɫ/
KROO-uhl
/kɹˈuːəl/
KROO-uhl
Definition
If someone or something is cruel, they cause pain or suffering and do not care about it. It can describe physically harmful actions or emotionally hurtful words and behavior.
Usage & Nuances
Often used for people, treatment, comments, jokes, or decisions: 'cruel person', 'cruel treatment', 'cruel joke'. Stronger than 'unkind' and usually suggests real suffering, not just rudeness. 'Cruel to' is a common pattern: 'They were cruel to the dog.'
Spanish: cruel - despiadadoPortuguese (BR): cruel - maldosoPortuguese (PT): cruel - impiedosoChinese (Simplified): 残忍的 - cruel刻薄的Chinese (Traditional): 殘忍的 - 刻薄的Hindi: क्रूर - निर्दयीArabic: قاسٍ - وحشيBengali: নিষ্ঠুর - ক্রূরRussian: жестокийJapanese: 残酷な - 冷酷なVietnamese: tàn nhẫn - độc ácKorean: 잔인한 - 냉혹한Turkish: zalim - acımasızUrdu: ظالم - سنگدلIndonesian: kejam - bengis
Example Sentences
It was cruel to leave the dog outside in the cold.
basic
His cruel words made her cry.
basic
The teacher said the joke was cruel and not funny.
basic
Don't be cruel just because you're angry.
natural
Canceling the trip the night before felt cruel.
natural
Sometimes the internet can be cruel for no reason.
natural