Meaning & Definition of word "Ruthless"

Ruthless

/ˈruːθləs/

1. Having or showing no pity or compassion for others; merciless.
- Example: The ruthless business leader stopped at nothing to achieve his goals.
2. Showing no remorse or consideration for the feelings of others; heartless.
- Example: Her ruthless criticism of his work left him feeling demoralized and defeated.
3. Demanding or harsh in a way that disregards individual hardship or suffering.
- Example: The team's ruthless pursuit of victory overshadowed their sense of sportsmanship.

From Middle English 'ruthleȝ', meaning 'without ruth or pity', combining 'ruth' (pity) and the suffix '-less'.

ruthless efficiency:

Doing something in a highly effective way without concern for the consequences.

ruthless pursuit:

Continuing to chase or strive for something with no regard for whom it might harm.

ruthless competition:

Fierce rivalry where no mercy is shown to opponents.

merciless:

Showing no mercy; cruel.

callous:

Emotionally insensitive; unfeeling.

hard-hearted:

Lacking compassion; emotionally insensate.

Meaning: Savage

Example Sentence: That was a savage move to cut all those people from the team.

Meaning: Cold-blooded

Example Sentence: He's so cold-blooded in business deals, nothing seems to faze him.