Ruthless
As an Adjective
- Showing no mercy or pity; cruel and harsh.
- Determined and relentless, especially in achieving goals without concern for others.
As Other Form
- Ruthlessly (Adverb): In a merciless or cruel manner.
- Ruthlessness (Noun): The quality of being cruel or unforgiving.
Word History
The word ruthless comes from ruth, an old English word meaning “pity” or “compassion,” derived from Middle English reuthe. Adding the suffix -less negates the meaning, making ruthless describe someone lacking compassion. The word has been used since the 14th century to describe merciless actions or people.
Examples
- The ruthless dictator crushed all opposition.
- She was ruthless in business, stopping at nothing to succeed.
- The team played ruthlessly, not giving their opponents a chance.
- His ruthless ambition made him feared by his rivals.
Synonyms
Merciless, cruel, unforgiving, relentless, brutal
Related Words
Heartless, fierce, cold-blooded, aggressive, pitiless
Antonyms
Compassionate, kind, gentle, merciful, considerate
