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Definition of callously

callously

/ˈkæl.əs.li/
cal · lous · ly
Adjective:callous
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callously Lexical Profile

callously Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In an insensitive, unfeeling, and cruel manner; without sympathy or regard for the feelings or suffering of others.

Example

"The corporation was criticized for callously laying off hundreds of employees just before the holidays."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

callistephus
callous
calloused
callously
callousness
callout
callow

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'callous' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Callous' originates from the Latin 'callosus' (meaning 'thick-skinned'), derived from 'callum' ('hard skin'), which evolved metaphorically to describe emotional hardness and insensitivity.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Callously. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/callously
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