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GRE vocabulary

callous

adjectiveHigh-frequency wordMore C words

showing an insensitive and cruel disregard for others

Word origin: From Latin callosus, thick-skinned (callum hardened skin).

In a sentence

Callous in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing callous in a sentence.

His callous response to their grief revealed how little he cared.

The landlord's callous response to the tenants' complaints drew condemnation from the housing board.

Synonyms
unfeelingheartlesshardenedinsensitive
Antonyms
compassionatesympathetictender
Usage & nuance

Using “callous” well

Callous means emotionally hardened and indifferent to suffering. Do not confuse it with callow, a look-alike meaning immature and inexperienced.

Common questions

Questions about “callous

Callous (adjective) means showing an insensitive and cruel disregard for others
Here is callous used in an example sentence: "His callous response to their grief revealed how little he cared." Another example: "The landlord's callous response to the tenants' complaints drew condemnation from the housing board."
Common synonyms for callous include unfeeling, heartless, hardened, insensitive.
Antonyms of callous include compassionate, sympathetic, tender.
Callous clusters with unfeeling, heartless, hardened, and insensitive. Its antonyms compassionate, sympathetic, and tender mark the caring answers; watch the callow trap.
Yes. Callous is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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