ruthless
Ruthless (adj) means showing no pity or mercy; willing to act harshly to get what one wants. Example: “The company was known for its ruthless approach to cutting costs.”
How to use ruthless
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMerciless and hard-nosed, with no regard for how it affects others.
Word forms
more ruthless comparative, most ruthless superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company was known for its _____ approach to cutting costs.
Etymology
From Middle English reuþeles, literally "without ruth" — ruth being an old word for pity, plus the suffix -less.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “ruthless” mean?
The word “ruthless” means showing no pity or mercy; willing to act harshly to get what one wants. In plain terms, merciless and hard-nosed, with no regard for how it affects others.
How do you pronounce “ruthless”?
“Ruthless” is pronounced ROOTH-luhs (/ˈɹuːθləs/ in IPA).
How do you use “ruthless” in a sentence?
Here is “ruthless” used in a sentence: “The company was known for its ruthless approach to cutting costs.”
What part of speech is “ruthless”?
“Ruthless” is an adjective.
Where does the word “ruthless” come from?
The word “ruthless” comes from Middle English. From Middle English reuþeles, literally "without ruth" — ruth being an old word for pity, plus the suffix -less.
Is “ruthless” a common word?
“Ruthless” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between ruthless and cruel?
Ruthless describes someone showing no pity or mercy while pursuing a goal, focusing on willingness to act harshly to get what they want, whereas cruel emphasizes deliberately causing pain or suffering, sometimes without any particular objective. A ruthless businessperson is driven and unsparing, while a cruel person may simply enjoy inflicting harm.
Can 'ruthless' be used in a positive way?
Ruthless is often used with a slightly admiring tone in contexts like sport or business, as in 'ruthless efficiency' or 'ruthless determination,' praising someone's uncompromising focus rather than condemning cruelty. In other contexts it remains clearly negative, describing harsh or merciless treatment of people.