'inhuman' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'inhumanus,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'humanus' meant 'human.'

'inhumanus' transformed into the Old French word 'inhumain,' and eventually became the modern English word 'inhuman' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'not human,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'lacking human qualities of compassion and mercy.'