Cruel
Adjective
UK
/ˈkruː.əl/
US
/ˈkruː.əl/
Level: Easy - A1 (Beginner)
Definition
Intentionally causing pain, suffering, or showing lack of kindness.
Example
"The cruel man hurt the weak."
"It is cruel to laugh at someone’s weakness because it damages their confidence deeply."
"Sometimes nature can be cruel, bringing disasters that harm people without warning."
Explanation
Cruel describes someone or something that causes pain, suffering, or harm without caring. It is the opposite of kind. For example, teasing a weak person, hurting animals, or punishing unfairly are cruel actions. Sometimes, life events like illness or accidents are described as cruel because they bring suffering. The word is mostly negative and used to show lack of kindness, sympathy, or mercy. Being cruel can be intentional (deliberate harm) or unintentional (careless actions), but it always hurts others.