ruthless
ROOTH-liss
/ˈruːθ.ləs/
Having or showing no pity, compassion, or mercy for others.
Implies a single-minded determination to achieve a goal regardless of harm caused.
The story behind the word. Formed in Middle English by combining 'ruth' (an archaic word meaning compassion or pity) with the suffix '-less'. Though 'ruth' fell out of common use, 'ruthless' remains widely used.
Word relationships
- merciless: Merciless focuses on withholding mercy; ruthless highlights relentless pursuit of an objective.
- relentless: Relentless means unstoppable; ruthless emphasizes lack of compassion.
- merciful: Showing compassion and forgiveness.
- lenient: Mild and tolerant in applying rules or punishment.
Commonly confused with
- reckless: Reckless means careless of danger; ruthless means unmerciful.
Word family
- ruthlessly (adverb): Without pity or mercy.
- ruthlessness (noun): The state of lacking pity or mercy.
Collocations
- ruthless ambition
- ruthless efficiency
- ruthless pragmatic
Idioms & expressions
- no holds barred
- take no prisoners
Example sentences
- "The executive earned a reputation for ruthless efficiency during corporate downsizing." Business journalism
- "The ruthless commander ordered the city besieged until all resistance collapsed." Historical biography
Memory hook
Ruthless means completely without 'ruth' (pity or remorse). Ruthless = Without ruth (pity).
When not to use
Do not confuse with general anger or emotional outbursts.
Fun facts
- The root word 'ruth' survives today almost exclusively as a proper name, though 'ruthful' once existed as its opposite.
Related words
Explore more words
relentless, driven, Obdurate, machiavellian, vindictive, reckless
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