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Dictionary definition of merciless

Lacking compassion, kindness, or pity towards others.
"The merciless waves battered the ship, leaving it in ruins."

Detailed meaning of merciless

It suggests a complete absence of mercy or forgiveness, often accompanied by a relentless pursuit of one's goals or a harsh, unforgiving attitude. When applied to a person or an action, "merciless" implies a deliberate and calculated cruelty, lacking any form of empathy or consideration for the well-being of others. It denotes a disposition or behavior that is uncompromising, unyielding, and unsympathetic, showing no mercy or leniency even in the face of suffering or pleas for mercy. The term conveys an absence of mercy, tenderness, or willingness to show grace or forgiveness, reflecting an unrelenting and severe approach. Whether in literature, history, or real-life situations, "merciless" represents a harsh and unforgiving nature that leaves no room for compassion or leniency.

Example sentences of merciless

1. The merciless storm raged on, causing widespread destruction.
2. They faced a relentless and merciless opponent in the battle.
3. The merciless ruler showed no compassion towards their subjects.
4. They endured the harsh and merciless reality of war.
5. The merciless criticism left them feeling shattered and defeated.
6. They encountered a fierce and merciless predator in the wilderness.

History and etymology of merciless

The adjective 'merciless' can be traced back to the Old English word 'mercy,' which originally meant 'kindness' or 'compassion.' It was derived from the Latin word 'misericordia,' where 'misericord' meant 'pitiful' and 'cord' referred to the heart. Over time, 'mercy' evolved to signify compassion and leniency, often associated with forgiveness and benevolence. However, when the suffix '-less' was added to 'mercy' in Middle English, it created the word 'merciless,' which conveys the opposite meaning—lacking compassion, kindness, or pity towards others. The etymology of 'merciless' reflects the transformation of a term rooted in kindness and compassion into one that denotes a severe absence of these qualities, emphasizing a harsh and unrelenting attitude towards others.

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Further usage examples of merciless

1. The merciless punishment inflicted deep emotional scars.
2. They were subjected to a merciless barrage of insults and ridicule.
3. The merciless nature of the game tested their endurance and resilience.
4. They were caught in a merciless cycle of poverty and despair.
5. The merciless march of time showed no regard for their hopes and dreams.
6. They felt the weight of the merciless expectations placed upon them.
7. The merciless interrogator showed no signs of empathy or mercy.
8. They fought against a merciless disease with unwavering determination.
9. The merciless waves pounded the shore, eroding the coastline.
10. They were trapped in a merciless cycle of violence and abuse.
11. The merciless sun beat down relentlessly, causing exhaustion and dehydration.
12. They endured the merciless taunts and jeers of their rivals.
13. The merciless reality of the situation sank in, leaving them feeling helpless.
14. They faced a merciless and unforgiving world, determined to survive against all odds.