HardHearted

Hardhearted is an adjective describing someone who is emotionally hardened and unreceptive to others' feelings, suffering, or pleas for help. A hardhearted person is typically seen as lacking pity or compassion, sometimes to a morally judgmental degree.

The term combines hard and heart. The image of a hardened heart is common in religious and literary contexts, and the expression has appeared in English for centuries.

In modern usage, hardhearted carries a negative connotation. It may describe individuals, groups, or policies perceived as unsympathetic. Synonyms include callous, unfeeling, and cold-hearted; antonyms include compassionate, empathetic, and humane.

Culturally and literarily, hardhearted figures are often depicted as obstacles to mercy or reform. In scripture, phrases like the heart was hardened describe obstinacy or resistance to change. The word is frequently used in moral or evaluative contexts to critique a lack of concern for others.

See also: cold-hearted; stonehearted; unfeeling.