Comparisons Wiki

Inhuman vs. Unhuman: Difference and Comparison

By Muazma Batool & Muneeza Rehman — Updated on February 26, 2024
Inhuman refers to a lack of human qualities, especially in cruelty or savagery, while unhuman describes something not belonging to or resembling humans, emphasizing difference in nature.
Inhuman vs. Unhuman

Difference Between Inhuman and Unhuman

"Inhuman" is often used to describe acts or behaviors that lack compassion, mercy, or any qualities considered part of humanity's moral framework. This term highlights the departure from what is traditionally viewed as human kindness or empathy. "Unhuman," conversely, is utilized to denote entities or characteristics that are not human or beyond human experience, focusing on the essence rather than moral judgment.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024
In the context of describing actions, "inhuman" suggests a level of cruelty or barbarity that is shocking or appalling, suggesting a violation of societal norms about what is considered humane. On the other hand, "unhuman" might be used in literature or discussions about artificial intelligence, aliens, or other entities that do not share biological or psychological traits with humans, without implying moral judgment.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024
The connotation of "inhuman" is predominantly negative, associated with actions or behaviors that are condemned for their lack of compassion or decency. "Unhuman," however, carries a neutral or descriptive tone, indicating difference or otherness without necessarily invoking a moral stance.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024
In literature or media, "inhuman" characters are those who may have once been human but have forsaken their humanity through their actions or choices. "Unhuman" characters or elements, however, belong to categories entirely separate from humanity, such as mythical creatures, robots, or supernatural beings, emphasizing their origin or nature as fundamentally different from human life.
Kaitlyn
Feb 26, 2024
"Inhuman" conditions or treatments call for moral outrage and empathy for the victims, "unhuman" perspectives or creations invite curiosity and exploration of the unknown, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be human or alive. This distinction not only affects narrative and thematic elements but also influences our engagement with the concepts of ethics, rights, and identity.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024

Inhuman vs. Unhuman Comparison Chart

Definition

Lacking humanity, especially in compassion or mercy.
Not belonging to or resembling humans.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024

Context

Used to describe cruel or barbaric actions or behaviors.
Used to describe entities, characteristics, or origins not human.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024

Connotation

Negative, implying a departure from human decency.
Neutral, indicating difference or otherness without moral judgment.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024

Examples in Use

"Inhuman treatment of prisoners"
"Unhuman characteristics of the robot"
Nolan
Feb 26, 2024

Implication

Moral condemnation for the lack of human qualities.
Distinction or exploration of non-human or beyond human entities.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024

Inhuman vs. Unhuman Definitions

Inhuman

Not suitable for human beings.
They were forced to live in inhuman living conditions.
William
Feb 26, 2024

Unhuman

Not derived from human beings.
The AI's unhuman perspective offered unique insights.
Jonathan
Feb 26, 2024

Inhuman

Exhibiting extreme cruelty or brutality.
His inhuman act of violence shocked the community.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024

Unhuman

Not resembling or characteristic of humans.
The unhuman features of the sculpture made it eerily fascinating.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024

Inhuman

Lacking human kindness or compassion.
The inhuman conditions in the camp were condemned worldwide.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024

Unhuman

Pertaining to non-human entities.
The film explored unhuman intelligence in a future world.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024

Inhuman

Beyond the norms of human decency.
The inhuman punishment was criticized by human rights organizations.
Kaitlyn
Feb 26, 2024

Unhuman

Beyond human experience or understanding.
She had an unhuman ability to foresee events.
Kaitlyn
Feb 26, 2024

Inhuman

Devoid of empathy or mercy.
The dictator's inhuman decisions led to widespread suffering.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024

Unhuman

Alien or supernatural in nature.
The unhuman creature from the deep sea was unlike anything seen before.
Lucas
Feb 26, 2024

Inhuman

Lacking kindness, pity, or compassion; cruel or indifferent
inhuman treatment of the prisoners.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Unhuman

Not resembling or having the qualities of a human being.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Inhuman

Not suited for human needs
"The monks sat ... in inhuman quiet" (Maura O'Halloran).
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Unhuman

Not human; inhuman.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Inhuman

Not of ordinary human nature, form, or character
"The woman ... lets out a squeal, a strange pig-squeal, completely inhuman" (Ashley Warlick).
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Unhuman

divested of human qualities or attributes
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Inhuman vs. Unhuman Frequently Asked Questions

Can a person be described as unhuman?

While typically "unhuman" is used to describe entities or characteristics not human, it can metaphorically apply to a person to emphasize qualities that are perceived as beyond human norms, though it's less common and can be confusing.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024

What does "unhuman" mean?

"Unhuman" describes something that is not human, does not resemble humans, or is beyond human experience, often used in the context of the supernatural or artificial intelligence.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024

Can something be both inhuman and unhuman?

Theoretically, an entity or action could be described as both if it is devoid of human compassion (inhuman) and not belonging to or resembling humans (unhuman), but typically they serve different descriptive purposes.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024

How does the concept of "unhuman" contribute to discussions about AI?

"Unhuman" contributes to AI discussions by framing artificial intelligence as fundamentally different from human intelligence, focusing on the unique capabilities or perspectives that AI might offer beyond human limitations.
Leo
Feb 26, 2024

What does "inhuman" mean?

"Inhuman" refers to actions, conditions, or behaviors that are cruel, lacking in compassion, and devoid of what is considered humane or kind.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024

Is "inhuman" always negative?

Yes, "inhuman" carries a negative connotation, implying a severe lack of human qualities like compassion or empathy, especially when referring to actions or conditions.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024

How do "inhuman" and "unhuman" reflect on society's values?

These terms reflect society's values by distinguishing between what is morally unacceptable ("inhuman") and what is beyond or outside human experience ("unhuman"), shaping our understanding of ethics, empathy, and the unknown.
Lucas
Feb 26, 2024

How are "inhuman" and "unhuman" used differently in literature?

In literature, "inhuman" is used to depict characters or actions that are cruel or devoid of mercy, often as a moral judgment. "Unhuman" is used to describe characters, forces, or worlds that are not human or beyond human understanding, adding elements of the fantastical or speculative.
Muazma Batool
Feb 26, 2024

What is the significance of labeling actions as "inhuman"?

Labeling actions as "inhuman" serves to morally condemn them and to highlight a breach of commonly accepted human values and ethics, calling for empathy and corrective action.
Elijah
Feb 26, 2024

Can "unhuman" have positive implications?

Yes, "unhuman" can have positive implications, especially when highlighting abilities, innovations, or perspectives that transcend human limitations, offering new possibilities or understandings.
Lucas
Feb 26, 2024

Content Creators

Written by
Muazma Batool
As a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
Co-written by
Muneeza Rehman
At Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.

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