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.

Cruelty, in this sense, is defined as an “inclination of the mind toward the side of harshness”. [9] Any punishment or other treatment that surpasses the scope of sufficiency and ventures into …

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.

Jan 2, 2026 · cruel (comparative crueler or crueller or more cruel, superlative cruelest or cruellest or most cruel) Intentionally causing or reveling in pain and suffering; merciless, heartless.

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?

cruel meaning, definition, what is cruel: making someone suffer or feel unhappy: Learn more.