Ruthless

/ˈruːθləs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Having or showing no pity or compassion for others; merciless.

The ruthless business leader stopped at nothing to achieve his goals.

Showing no remorse or consideration for the feelings of others; heartless.

Her ruthless criticism of his work left him feeling demoralized and defeated.

Demanding or harsh in a way that disregards individual hardship or suffering.

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.

Savage

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

Cold-blooded

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