What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hardheartedly
Example
The manager hardheartedly fired the employee without any warning. [hardheartedly: adverb]
Example
She spoke hardheartedly about the homeless people in the city. [hardheartedly: adverb]
heartlessly
Example
He heartlessly abandoned his family when they needed him the most. [heartlessly: adverb]
Example
The company heartlessly laid off hundreds of workers to cut costs. [heartlessly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heartlessly is more commonly used than hardheartedly in everyday language. Heartlessly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hardheartedly is less common and typically used in more formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hardheartedly and heartlessly?
Hardheartedly is more formal than heartlessly and is typically used in more formal contexts, such as academic writing or legal documents. Heartlessly is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
