Inhuman vs. Unhuman — What's the Difference?

Inhuman often describes acts or behavior that lack compassion, kindness, or decency, reflecting a departure from what is considered morally acceptable for humans. On the other hand, unhuman is used to describe entities or characteristics that are not human in nature or origin. This term doesn't necessarily carry a moral judgment.

Inhuman term typically carries a negative connotation, implying cruelty or brutality. For example, acts of violence or neglect may be described as inhuman, as they starkly contrast with values of empathy and care expected among people. Unhuman can be used to describe things ranging from supernatural beings to artificial intelligence, emphasizing their distinction from human beings in terms of essence, capabilities, or identity.

While inhuman focuses on qualities or actions that betray human decency, unhuman points to the essence or identity of something as fundamentally not human. This distinction highlights the former's association with moral judgment and the latter's with categorization or identity.

The use of inhuman often invokes an emotional response, aiming to highlight actions or behaviors that are deemed unacceptable or reprehensible from a humanistic perspective. It underlines the expectation of a common standard of decency that humans are believed to share. Conversely, unhuman can foster discussions on the nature of humanity and the boundaries that separate humans from other entities or beings. It can evoke curiosity or fascination, as it opens up considerations of what lies beyond the human experience, whether in fiction, philosophy, or technology.