callous
/ˈkæləs/
Group 31Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others GRE
Example in Context
The company's callous disregard for the safety of workers in its supply chain drew international condemnation and consumer boycotts.
Synonyms
heartlesscoldunfeeling
Etymology
Having a thick skin, figuratively showing insensitivity.
- callosus (Latin) — thick-skinned
Memory Aid
🐄Sounds like “cow-less”
When a farmer is COW-LESS, he’s CALLLOUS to the plight of his starving animals!
Visual Association
😬A person ignoring a crying child, with a thick skin and an uncaring expression!
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “callous” mean on the GRE?
callous (adjective) means “Showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others”. The company's callous disregard for the safety of workers in its supply chain drew international condemnation and consumer boycotts.
How to remember “callous” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “callous” sounds like “cow-less”. When a farmer is COW-LESS, he’s CALLLOUS to the plight of his starving animals!
What are synonyms for “callous”?
Common synonyms: heartless, cold, unfeeling.