ruthless

[ rooth-lis ]

adjective

1. without pity or compassion; cruel; merciless:

   a ruthless tyrant.

   Synonyms: relentless, adamant, unrelenting

ruthless

/ ˈruːθlɪs /

adjective

1. feeling or showing no mercy; hardhearted

Derived Forms

• ˈruthlessness, noun
• ˈruthlessly, adverb

Other Words From

• ruthless·ly adverb
• ruthless·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruthless¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; ruth + -less

Synonym Study

See cruel.

Example Sentences

We suspect that some of this sharp rightward shift on immigration will revert if Trump actually does execute “mass deportations” in a ruthless way.

From Slate

The campaign was further disadvantaged by a ruthless effort from Gov. Ron DeSantis to sabotage the proposed amendment.

From Slate

"The Labour Party’s unprecedented persecution and ruthless treatment of its own socialist members, representatives and voters is disgraceful", said Ms Winter in a statement.

From BBC

The standoff between Blanche’s impractical aestheticism and Stanley’s ruthless pragmatism is the heart of this quintessentially American drama.

From Los Angeles Times

An unrelenting second-half display, during which the clinical Parkhead side added a further three goals, proves the manager's ruthless demands were worthwhile as they delivered an ominous message to their overwhelmed opposition.

From BBC

Related Words

• barbarous
• brutal
• callous
• cold-blooded
• cruel
• cutthroat
• ferocious
• fierce
• harsh
• inhuman
• malevolent
• merciless
• rancorous
• relentless
• sadistic
• savage
• unforgiving
• unrelenting
• unyielding
• vicious