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Remorseless: meaning, definitions and examples

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remorseless

 

[rɪˈmɔːrs.ləs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

lack of pity

Remorseless describes a person or action that is without remorse or guilt. It often refers to someone who shows no signs of compassion or regret for their actions, even if they lead to harm or suffering. This term can be applied to both individuals and situations.

Synonyms

callous, heartless, unfeeling, unrepentant.

Examples of usage

  • The remorseless killer showed no emotions during the trial.
  • Her remorseless demeanor made it clear she felt no guilt.
  • The remorseless storm caused widespread destruction.
  • He was remorseless in his pursuit of power.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word combines 'remorse' from Latin 'remorsus', meaning to bite back, and the suffix '-less', meaning without.
  • The term began to appear in English literature in the mid-16th century, often in contexts related to sinful behavior.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people who are remorseless often struggle with empathy, making it hard for them to connect emotionally with others.
  • Certain personality disorders, like sociopathy or psychopathy, frequently feature remorselessness as a key trait.

Literature

  • Shakespeare frequently portrayed remorseless characters, using them as tragic villains in plays such as 'Macbeth'.
  • Modern thrillers often depict remorseless individuals as calculating antagonists, showcasing their chilling behavior.

Cultural Representations

  • In many cultures, the idea of being remorseless is associated with moral failing and often used as a cautionary tale in folklore.
  • Popular media often glamorizes remorseless characters, such as in crime dramas where villains commit acts without regret.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,334, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.