The meaning of CRUEL is disposed to inflict pain or suffering : devoid of humane feelings. How to use cruel in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Cruel.

CRUEL definition: 1. (of a person or action) extremely unkind and unpleasant and causing pain to people or animals…. Learn more.

Cruel definition: willfully or knowingly causing pain or distress to others.. See examples of CRUEL used in a sentence.

1. causing or inflicting pain without pity: a cruel teacher. 2. causing pain or suffering: a cruel accident.

Definition of cruel adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Cruel implies willingness to cause pain, and indifference to suffering: a cruel stepfather. Pitiless adds the idea of refusal to show compassion: pitiless to captives.

Someone who is cruel deliberately causes pain or distress to people or animals. Children can be so cruel. Don't you think it's cruel to cage a creature up?

There are eight meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective cruel, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Some common synonyms of cruel are barbarous, ferocious, fierce, and savage. While all these words mean "showing fury or malignity in looks or actions," cruel implies indifference to …

Oct 13, 2025 · Merciless, cruel; revelling in another's pain. Deleterious, injurious; conducive to suffering. Unbearable, saddening, terrifying. Strict, unforgiving, mean; not nice.