Callous

/ˈkæl.əs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
His callous remarks about the accident shocked everyone present.
Emotionally insensitive; lacking feelings.
She was criticized for her callous attitude toward the victims of the disaster.
Having calluses; toughened or hardened.
The callous skin on his hands demonstrated years of hard labor.

Etymology

Late Latin callosus, meaning 'hard-skinned'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

callous indifference
A complete lack of concern for the feelings of others.
callous behavior
Actions that are cruel or unfeeling.

Related Words

callousness
The quality of being emotionally insensitive.
hardened
Made unfeeling or insensitive.

Slang Meanings

Cold-hearted
That dude is so cold-hearted for not caring about the dog's plight.
Stone-cold
She's stone-cold when it comes to people's feelings.