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Heartlessly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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heartlessly

[ˈhɑːrtləsli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a cruel or unfeeling manner

In a heartless manner, without compassion or sympathy towards others. Acting without consideration for the feelings of others.

Synonyms

cold-heartedly, cruelly, pitilessly, unfeelingly, unsympathetically.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heartlessly

When describing someone's actions that show a complete lack of compassion or empathy.

  • She heartlessly ignored the cries for help
cruelly

When emphasizing that someone's behavior is not just unkind but also causes pain or suffering.

  • The bully cruelly teased the younger students
unfeelingly

When someone's actions are harsh and show no emotions at all.

  • She unfeelingly told him that their relationship was over
unsympathetically

When describing actions that show a lack of sympathy or concern for others' feelings.

  • The manager unsympathetically denied the workers' requests for better conditions
cold-heartedly

When pointing out that someone is acting in a manner that is emotionally distant and shows no sign of kindness.

  • He cold-heartedly fired his employees just before the holidays
pitilessly

When describing actions taken without any pity, often in situations where pity would normally be expected.

  • The dictator pitilessly suppressed the rebellion

Examples of usage

  • She heartlessly ignored the pleas for help.
  • The villain heartlessly betrayed his loyal followers.
  • The dictator ruled heartlessly, suppressing any form of opposition.
  • The manager heartlessly fired employees without warning.
  • The bully heartlessly teased the vulnerable student.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'heartlessly'

The word 'heartlessly' is derived from the combination of 'heartless' and the adverb suffix '-ly'. 'Heartless' originated from the Old English 'heorte' meaning 'heart' and 'leas' meaning 'less', together forming the concept of lacking compassion or empathy. The adverb form 'heartlessly' has been in use since the 17th century, evolving to describe actions or behavior devoid of kindness or sympathy.

See also: brokenhearted, dishearten, disheartened, disheartening, halfheartedly, heart, heartache, heartbeat, heartbreak, heartbreaker, heartbreaking, heartbreakingly, heartbroken, heartening, heartfelt, heartily, heartland, heartless, heartlessness, heartsease, heartthrob, heartwarming, hearty.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,623, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.