Meaning of cruel in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈkru(ə)l/

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1. Classifying Adjective

   cruel

   Definitions

   1. lacking or showing kindness or compassion or mercy

   Synonyms

   • heartless
2. 2. (of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

   Examples

   • « a barbarous crime »
   • « brutal beatings »
   • « cruel tortures »
   • « Stalin's roughshod treatment of the kulaks »
   • « a savage slap »
   • « vicious kicks »

   Synonyms

   • inhumane
3. 3. (of weapons or instruments) causing suffering and pain

   Examples

   • « brutal instruments of torture »
   • « cruel weapons of war »

   Synonyms

   • inhumane
4. 4. used of circumstances (especially weather) that cause suffering

   Examples

   • « brutal weather »
   • « northern winters can be cruel »
   • « a cruel world »
   • « a harsh climate »
   • « a rigorous climate »
   • « unkind winters »

   Synonyms

   • hard