ruthless

adjective

ruth·less ˈrüth-ləs

also ˈru̇th-

Synonyms of ruthless next

: having no pity : merciless, cruel

a ruthless tyrant

ruthlessly adverb

ruthlessness noun

Did you know?

If someone can be ruthless, can one also be ruthful?

Ruthless can be defined as "without ruth" or "having no ruth." So what, then, is ruth? The noun ruth, which is now considerably less common than ruthless, means "compassion for the misery of another," "sorrow for one's own faults," or "remorse." And, just as it is possible for one to be without ruth, it is also possible to be full of ruth. The antonym of ruthless is ruthful, meaning "full of ruth" or "tender." Ruthful can also mean "full of sorrow" or "causing sorrow." Ruth can be traced back to the Middle English noun ruthe, itself from ruen, meaning "to rue" or "to feel regret, remorse, or sorrow."

Examples of ruthless in a Sentence

The journalist was ruthless in his criticism. an office supervisor with a ruthless disregard for others' feelings

Recent Examples on the Web

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The lawyer who normally practices in New York is gregarious, quick with a joke and always happy to talk to the media, but can be ruthless in cross-examination. —

Andrew Dalton, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025 City are going through some stuff, Arsenal aren’t ruthless enough, Chelsea are wobbling, teams will figure out how to beat Nottingham Forest soon enough, Newcastle are the form team now but are an Alexander Isak injury away from trouble. —

Carl Anka, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 Often women are viewed as soft, easy-going but that tough environment forces them to be selfish and ruthless. —

Annika Pham, Variety, 14 Jan. 2025 Where Portrayal Woman is ruthless and smoky through the wear, Cé Lumière is soft and comforting. —

Jihan Forbes, Allure, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ruthless