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adj C2 Proficient

callous

KA-luhs

Callous (adj) means showing no concern for the feelings or suffering of others. Example: “His callous remark about the accident shocked everyone in the room.”

adj
1
Showing no concern for the feelings or suffering of others.
"His callous remark about the accident shocked everyone in the room."
"Years in the job had made her callous to other people's complaints."
2
Having thickened, hardened skin.
"His hands were callous from decades of manual labor."

How to use callous

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEmotionally cold and unfeeling toward others — or, less commonly, having tough, hardened skin.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "callus," the noun for a patch of hardened skin.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
callous disregard a callous remark callous indifference

Word forms

more callous comparative, most callous superlative

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His _____ remark about the accident shocked everyone in the room.

Etymology

From Latin callosus ("thick-skinned"), from callum ("hardened skin").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for callous

See all rhymes for callous →

Frequently asked questions

What does “callous” mean?

The word “callous” means showing no concern for the feelings or suffering of others. In plain terms, emotionally cold and unfeeling toward others — or, less commonly, having tough, hardened skin.

How do you pronounce “callous”?

“Callous” is pronounced KA-luhs (/ˈkæləs/ in IPA).

How do you use “callous” in a sentence?

Here is “callous” used in a sentence: “His callous remark about the accident shocked everyone in the room.”

What part of speech is “callous”?

“Callous” is an adjective.

Where does the word “callous” come from?

The word “callous” comes from Latin. From Latin callosus ("thick-skinned"), from callum ("hardened skin").

How many meanings does “callous” have?

“Callous” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: showing no concern for the feelings or suffering of others.

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