/ˈkruː.əl//krʊəl/(crueller, cruellest or crueler, cruelest)
Definition
B1extremely unkind and unpleasant and causing pain to people or animals intentionally: Don't tease him about his weight - it's cruel.Children can be very cruel to each other.Unkind, cruel and unfeelingViolent or aggressiveTreating people or animals badlyInsults and abuse›causing suffering: His death was a cruel blow.Unkind, cruel and unfeelingViolent or aggressiveTreating people or animals badlyInsults and abusecruelly
/-i/adverbB2in a cruel wayUnkind, cruel and unfeelingViolent or aggressiveTreating people or animals badlyInsults and abuse