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Ruthlessness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ruthlessness

[ˈruːθ.ləs.nəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ruthlessness

Best suited for describing someone who pursues their goals aggressively and without care for others' feelings or well-being. Often used in business or competitive contexts.

  • The CEO's ruthlessness allowed the company to dominate the market.
  • His ruthlessness in negotiations left no room for compromise.
mercilessness

Used when describing someone or something that shows no pity or mercy, often in the context of justice or punishment. It emphasizes the severity and lack of forgiveness.

  • The mercilessness of the judge's sentence left the courtroom in silence.
  • The mercilessness of nature can be both beautiful and terrifying.
cruelty

Appropriate for situations involving intentional harm or suffering inflicted on others. It has a strong negative connotation and is often used in situations involving physical or emotional abuse.

  • The cruelty displayed by the dictator shocked the world.
  • She could not understand the cruelty of those who bullied her.
heartlessness

Describes a lack of empathy or compassion, often in personal relationships or social situations. It carries a negative connotation and suggests emotional coldness.

  • Her heartlessness towards the homeless upset many people.
  • The heartlessness in his voice was chilling.

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

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Ruthlessness has often been associated with leaders and rulers who used severe methods to maintain power throughout history.
  • In the 20th century, some political leaders were criticized for their ruthlessness in dealing with rivals and enemies.
  • The term has been used in various contexts, including business, where being ruthless can signify a focus on results over people.

Psychology

  • Studies show that individuals who exhibit ruthless behavior often prioritize their own goals over empathy and connection with others.
  • Ruthlessness can be linked to certain personality traits, such as a lack of guilt or remorse, which may facilitate aggressive decision-making.
  • People who display high levels of ruthlessness can struggle in interpersonal relationships due to their disregard for others' feelings.

Literature

  • In many classic stories, ruthless characters are depicted as villains, highlighting the consequences of their actions on others.
  • Literary works often explore the internal struggles behind ruthlessness, showing how it can stem from fear, survival, or ambition.
  • Famous characters like Lady Macbeth from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' illustrate how ruthlessness can lead to tragic outcomes.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray ruthless characters as anti-heroes, showcasing a complex mix of power, ambition, and moral dilemmas.
  • Reality television sometimes glorifies ruthlessness, with contestants driven to outmaneuver each other at any cost to win.
  • In popular media, ruthless business executives are frequently depicted as cutthroat, reflecting societal views on success and ethics.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers debate the morality of ruthlessness, questioning whether it can ever be justified for a 'greater good'.
  • Some ethical theories, like utilitarianism, may argue that ruthless actions can be acceptable if they lead to a better outcome for the majority.
  • The discussion around ruthlessness often touches on concepts of justice, morality, and human behavior.

Origin of 'ruthlessness'

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,961, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.