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.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

merciless
Showing no mercy; cruel.
callous
Emotionally insensitive; unfeeling.
hard-hearted
Lacking compassion; emotionally insensate.

Slang Meanings

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.