Ruthlessness: meaning, definitions and examples
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ruthlessness
[ ˈruːθ.ləs.nəs ]
in a negative context
Ruthlessness is the quality of lacking pity or compassion for others, and being willing to act without regard for their feelings or well-being. It is often associated with a cold and calculating attitude towards achieving one's goals.
Synonyms
cruelty, heartlessness, mercilessness
Examples of usage
- She climbed the corporate ladder with ruthless determination, stepping over anyone who stood in her way.
- The dictator ruled with an iron fist, showing no mercy or compassion, his ruthlessness striking fear into the hearts of the people.
Translations
Translations of the word "ruthlessness" in other languages:
🇵🇹 crueldade
🇮🇳 निर्दयता
🇩🇪 Rücksichtslosigkeit
🇮🇩 kekejaman
🇺🇦 жорстокість
🇵🇱 bezwzględność
🇯🇵 冷酷
🇫🇷 cruauté
🇪🇸 crueldad
🇹🇷 zalimlik
🇰🇷 무자비함
🇸🇦 قساوة
🇨🇿 krutost
🇸🇰 krutost
🇨🇳 无情
🇸🇮 krutost
🇮🇸 grimmleiki
🇰🇿 қатігездік
🇬🇪 სისასტიკე
🇦🇿 amansızlıq
🇲🇽 crueldad
Word origin
The word ruthlessness originated from the Middle English word 'reuthe', which means 'pity' or 'compassion'. Over time, the prefix 'ruth-' evolved to convey a sense of harshness or severity, leading to the current meaning of lacking compassion or mercy. The suffix '-lessness' emphasizes the absence of pity or mercy in the word ruthlessness.