The meaning of CRUEL is disposed to inflict pain or suffering : devoid of humane feelings. How to use cruel in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Cruel.

CRUEL definition: 1. (of a person or action) extremely unkind and unpleasant and causing pain to people or animals…. Learn more.

CRUEL definition: willfully or knowingly causing pain or distress to others. See examples of cruel used in a sentence.

1. causing or inflicting pain without pity: a cruel teacher. 2. causing pain or suffering: a cruel accident.

Definition of cruel adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 14, 2025 · cruel (comparative crueler or crueller or more cruel, superlative cruelest or cruellest or most cruel) The supervisor was very cruel to Josh, as he would always give Josh …

Cruel implies willingness to cause pain, and indifference to suffering: a cruel stepfather. Pitiless adds the idea of refusal to show compassion: pitiless to captives.