Ruthlessness: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.