Ruthless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ruthless
[ˈruθləs ]
Definitions
behavior
Having or showing no pity or compassion for others.
Synonyms
cruel, heartless, merciless, pitiless.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ruthless |
Used to describe someone who does something with complete lack of pity or compassion, often to achieve a goal.
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| merciless |
Describes someone who shows no mercy or leniency, often in situations of power or conflict.
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| cruel |
Used when someone deliberately causes pain or suffering to others, often for their own pleasure or gain.
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| heartless |
Describes someone who shows a total lack of sympathy or compassion, often in personal relationships.
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| pitiless |
Similar to merciless, but often used to emphasize a cold or calculated removal of empathy.
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Examples of usage
- He was ruthless in his pursuit of power.
- The ruthless dictator showed no mercy to his enemies.
- She had a reputation for being ruthless in business negotiations.
manner
Without pity or compassion; harsh, severe.
Synonyms
harsh, relentless, severe, unyielding.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ruthless |
Used to describe someone who is willing to do anything to achieve their goals without any pity or guilt. Often has a negative connotation.
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| relentless |
Describes a person or thing that is persistent and determined in an uncompromising or merciless manner, but without the typically negative emotion of 'ruthless'.
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| unyielding |
Describes someone or something that does not bend, does not give in, or is very firm in their stance or position. Can be used positively or negatively depending on the context.
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| severe |
Often used to describe something that is very intense or serious, such as weather, punishment, or health conditions.
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| harsh |
Typically used to describe conditions, actions, or words that are unkind, severe, or unpleasant. Can describe weather, criticism, or treatment.
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Examples of usage
- The ruthless winter storm left the town buried in snow.
- The ruthless conditions of the prison made life unbearable for the inmates.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many writers use ruthless characters to build tension in stories, like the cruel villains in Shakespeare's plays.
- In classic novels, ruthless figures often serve as the main antagonist, driving the plot through their severe actions.
Psychology
- People described as ruthless may have traits associated with certain personality disorders, showing a lack of empathy or remorse.
- Studies suggest that ruthlessness can sometimes be linked to high levels of ambition or competitiveness in business settings.
Pop Culture
- Movies often portray ruthless leaders, such as in crime dramas where they will do anything to maintain power.
- Popular reality shows sometimes depict contestants acting ruthlessly to win, illustrating strategic gameplay.
History
- Historical figures, such as Genghis Khan, are often cited as ruthless conquerors due to their fierce military strategies and lack of mercy.
- The term applies not only to war generals but also to ruthless politicians throughout history who made drastic decisions for power.
Origin of 'ruthless'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'ruth', meaning 'pity', combined with the prefix 'less', meaning 'without'.
- First recorded use of 'ruthless' dates back to the 14th century, illustrating how long the concept of a lack of mercy has existed in the English language.
The word 'ruthless' originated from the combination of 'ruth' (compassion, pity) and the suffix '-less' (without). The concept of lacking compassion or pity can be traced back to Old English and has evolved over time to its current usage in modern English. The word has been used to describe individuals, actions, or conditions that demonstrate a lack of mercy or compassion.