ruthful

American  

[rooth-fuhl] / ˈruθ fəl /

adjective

1. compassionate or sorrowful.

2. causing or apt to cause sorrow or pity.

3. feeling remorse or self-reproach.

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ruthful British  

/ ˈruːθfʊl /

adjective

1. archaic full of or causing sorrow or pity

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Other Word Forms

• ruthfully adverb
• ruthfulness noun

Etymology

Origin of ruthful

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; ruth, -ful

Example Sentences

Solskjær’s side are too ruthful in attack and defence, but can offset these weaknesses by dominating opponents in midfield.

From The Guardian • Dec. 31, 2020

O that my death would stay these ruthful deeds!—

From King Henry VI, Part 3 by Shakespeare, William

Never," answered Roxy with a ruthful smile; "but, Phyllis, in school I listen.

From Phyllis by Johnson, Percy D.

Robin, at the twilight dim, Never let thine evening hymn, Bird of red and ruthful breast, Lend the bishop's Port a zest.

From The Humorous Poetry of the English Language; from Chaucer to Saxe by Parton, James

Sad was the man that word to hear that him so heavied in bowels ruthful.

From Ulysses by Joyce, James