unhuman

[uhn-hyoo-muhn, ‐-yoo-muhn]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

lacking human attributes.
The unhuman figures in his earlier work were not well received.
of a quality or power beyond what is human; superhuman.
Her hands clenched the chair with unhuman strength.
not a member of the human species.
Of our unhuman relatives, I love the mountain gorillas best.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of unhuman¹

First recorded in 1780–85; un- ¹ ( def. ) + human ( def. )

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"She was on a golf cart with four terrorists around her. I was terrified. I couldn't believe it was even possible to kidnap an 85-year-old woman from her bed. It is unhuman behaviour, beyond possible."

From

Office of Human Rights in Geneva called it “deeply disturbing” and declared that all public executions “constitute a form of cruel, unhuman or degrading punishment.”

From

There was something so panther-like in the movement—something so unhuman, that it seemed to sober us all from the shock of his coming.

From

It’s a difficult achievement – I think it’s almost unhuman.

From

Virgil’s patriotic purpose is probably responsible for the change from the human Aeneas of the first books to the unhuman prodigy of the last.

From

unhouseled unhurried

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