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 notesIn 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.
Common pairings
callous disregard
a callous remark
callous indifference
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more callous
- Superlative
- most callous
Fill the gap
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His _____ remark about the accident shocked everyone in the room.
Etymology
From Latin callosus ("thick-skinned"), from callum ("hardened skin").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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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