pitiless

[ pit-i-lis, pit-ee- ]

adjective

1. feeling or showing no pity; merciless:

   pitiless criticism of his last novel.

   Synonyms: implacable, unmerciful, relentless

   Antonyms: merciful

pitiless

/ ˈpɪtɪlɪs /

adjective

1. having or showing little or no pity or mercy

Derived Forms

• ˈpitilessness, noun
• ˈpitilessly, adverb

Other Words From

• piti·less·ly adverb
• piti·less·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pitiless¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, pitiless is from the late Middle English word piteles. See pity, -less

Synonym Study

See cruel.

Example Sentences

After the pitiless grind of junior year, we are all determined to enjoy our family’s final days in high school.

From Los Angeles Times

It depends on Trump’s ability to be pitiless in his ridicule of the targets of his contempt while allowing his audience to feel deeply sorry for itself.

From Salon

Sammy Harkham‘s new graphic novel, “Blood of the Virgin,” carves out an imaginary corner of this pitiless sector of the movie industry and takes up residence.

From Los Angeles Times

Our reviewer called the book “beautiful and brilliant, heartbreaking and wise, but also pitiless, which may be controversial to list among its virtues but is in fact essential to its success.”

From New York Times

Underneath this smooth surface you find this crunchy Mother Jones liberalism, though he delivers it with pitiless negativity.

From New York Times