Mercilessly: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone shows no compassion or pity towards another person or situation. It often implies a relentless and unforgiving attitude.

• The dictator mercilessly crushed the rebellion
• She was criticized for firing employees mercilessly during the layoffs

Emphasizes a complete lack of empathy or compassion. Often used when someone exercises power or judgment without considering the feelings of others.

• The critic pitilessly dismissed the artist's latest work
• The soldiers advanced pitilessly, showing no regard for the villagers

Describes acting with determination and without concern for others’ feelings or welfare. It often implies a goal-oriented focus that disregards empathy.

• The business leader ruthlessly cut costs by laying off hundreds of employees
• The conqueror ruthlessly expanded his kingdom

Refers to actions that cause suffering intentionally, often with a sense of pleasure in the pain inflicted. It has a strong negative connotation.

• The bully cruelly taunted his classmates
• Many animals are cruelly kept in cages

Describes actions that are severe, strict, or unkind, often in a manner that seems unreasonable.

• The teacher harshly scolded the student for being late
• The winter weather harshly affected the homeless population

Similar to 'mercilessly,' but often used in contexts where the person did not show leniency or mercy, especially in situations expecting compassion.

• He was unmercifully punished for his minor mistake
• The sun beat down unmercifully on the parched landscape