What Is Another Way to Say “Cold-Hearted”?

Looking for synonyms for cold-hearted? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say cold-hearted.

  • Unfeeling
  • Heartless
  • Insensitive
  • Callous
  • Unsympathetic
  • Merciless
  • Ruthless
  • Unemotional
  • Indifferent
  • Detached
  • Incompassionate
  • Pitiless
  • Stony
  • Hard-hearted
  • Unmerciful
  • Uncompassionate
  • Aloof
  • Inhuman
  • Unkind
  • Emotionless

Want to learn how to say cold-hearted professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Unfeeling

Unfeeling is used to describe someone who lacks empathy or compassion, often in a context where sensitivity is expected.
Example: “His unfeeling response to the team’s struggles was noted by many.”

2. Heartless

Heartless is appropriate for someone who shows no sympathy or concern for others, often used in a context of expecting humane behavior.
Example: “The heartless decision to cut benefits was met with widespread criticism.”

3. Insensitive

Insensitive is used when someone shows a lack of care or thought for others’ feelings, particularly in delicate situations.
Example: “The manager’s insensitive comments about workload were not well-received.”

4. Callous

Callous describes someone who is emotionally hardened and unfeeling, particularly in situations requiring empathy.
Example: “The supervisor’s callous attitude towards employee grievances raised concerns.”

5. Unsympathetic

Unsympathetic is suitable for someone who does not show or offer sympathy, support, or understanding.
Example: “The unsympathetic nature of the policy towards remote working conditions was challenged.”

6. Merciless

Merciless is used for someone who shows no pity or compassion, often in competitive or challenging environments.
Example: “The company’s merciless approach to competition has intimidated its rivals.”

7. Ruthless

Ruthless is appropriate for someone who is hardhearted and shows no mercy or compassion, especially in pursuit of goals.
Example: “Her ruthless pursuit of efficiency led to significant staff burnout.”

8. Unemotional

Unemotional describes someone who does not show or involve emotions, especially in situations where emotional response is expected.
Example: “His unemotional reaction to the team’s concerns was surprising.”

9. Indifferent

Indifferent is used when someone shows no interest or concern, particularly in situations needing attention or care.
Example: “The manager’s indifferent attitude towards customer complaints was problematic.”

10. Detached

Detached describes someone who is aloof or objective, especially in situations requiring involvement or empathy.
Example: “Her detached demeanor made it difficult for the team to connect with her.”

11. Incompassionate

Incompassionate is suitable for someone lacking pity or compassion, especially in a leadership or caregiving role.
Example: “The leader’s incompassionate approach to employee well-being was criticized.”

12. Pitiless

Pitiless is used for someone who shows no pity, often in contexts where mercy or leniency is expected.
Example: “The pitiless enforcement of outdated policies needs to be reviewed.”

13. Stony

Stony describes someone unresponsive or showing no emotion, particularly in a context where warmth or empathy is needed.
Example: “His stony expression during the feedback session was intimidating.”

14. Hard-hearted

Hard-hearted is appropriate for someone who lacks affection or compassion, especially in roles requiring emotional intelligence.
Example: “The hard-hearted stance on employee issues was not well-received.”

15. Unmerciful

Unmerciful is used for someone who is not showing any mercy or leniency, often in a context where compassion is expected.
Example: “The unmerciful workload expectations were leading to high staff turnover.”

16. Uncompassionate

Uncompassionate describes someone lacking compassion or empathy, particularly in caregiving or supportive roles.
Example: “The manager’s uncompassionate approach to personal issues was noted by HR.”

17. Aloof

Aloof is suitable for someone who is distant or not forthcoming in terms of their emotions or sympathies.
Example: “The aloof nature of the team leader made it hard for new members to integrate.”

18. Inhuman

Inhuman is used to describe someone lacking human qualities of compassion and mercy, especially in extreme or egregious situations.
Example: “The inhuman treatment of the employees in those conditions was appalling.”

19. Unkind

Unkind is appropriate for someone who is not gentle or sympathetic, particularly in everyday interpersonal interactions.
Example: “The unkind remarks about colleagues’ efforts were addressed in the meeting.”

20. Emotionless

Emotionless describes someone who does not show emotions, particularly in situations where emotional engagement is important.
Example: “His emotionless approach to management made it difficult to gauge his opinions.”

Linda Brown