IPA

Dictionary definition of ruthless

Marked by a complete lack of compassion, empathy, or remorse when it comes to achieving goals or dealing with others.
"The ruthless dictator showed no mercy to his opponents."

Detailed meaning of ruthless

When someone or something is characterized as 'ruthless,' it signifies a relentless and unyielding pursuit of objectives, often without regard for ethical or moral principles. This term emphasizes the willingness to use any means, no matter how harsh or cruel, to accomplish one's aims, often at the expense of others' well-being or rights. To label someone as 'ruthless' suggests a calculated and cold-hearted approach to decision-making, where the individual's ambition or agenda takes precedence over considerations of fairness or empathy, making it a term laden with negative connotations.

Example sentences of ruthless

1. The ruthless CEO laid off hundreds of employees to cut costs, prioritizing profits over people.
2. Her ruthless ambition led her to undermine her colleagues in order to climb the corporate ladder.
3. The movie portrays a ruthless gangster who will stop at nothing to maintain his criminal empire.
4. In the cutthroat world of fashion, designers can be ruthless in their pursuit of originality.
5. Critics argue that the company's ruthless tactics violate antitrust laws, stifling market competition.
6. The ruthless general ordered his troops to show no mercy, causing international human rights concerns.

History and etymology of ruthless

The adjective 'ruthless' has its etymological roots in the Old English word 'rūðlēas,' which can be broken down into 'rū,' meaning 'compassion' or 'pity,' and 'lēas,' meaning 'lacking' or 'without.' In its original form, 'rūðlēas' meant lacking compassion or pity, indicating a lack of mercy or remorse. Over time, this term transitioned into 'ruthless' in modern English, retaining its fundamental meaning of being marked by a complete lack of compassion, empathy, or remorse, especially when it comes to achieving one's goals or dealing with others. The etymology of 'ruthless' emphasizes the absence of empathy and kindness, highlighting a disposition that is uncompromising and unfeeling in the pursuit of objectives or interactions with others.

Find the meaning of ruthless

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of ruthless

1. Despite his ruthless exterior, he still maintained a close circle of loyal friends and family.
2. The politician's ruthless maneuvering ultimately cost him the trust of his constituents.
3. She was a ruthless negotiator, always seeking the best possible deal without any regard for fairness.
4. The ruthless pirate raided villages along the coast, causing terror among local inhabitants.
5. His ruthless efficiency made him an invaluable asset to the company, but colleagues distrusted him.
6. The survival show highlighted the ruthless environment of the wilderness, where only the fittest survive.
7. In a ruthless turn of events, the champion was disqualified for breaking the competition's rules.
8. Some claim that the most successful entrepreneurs are ruthless, willing to do whatever it takes to win.
9. The lawyer was ruthless in court, using every trick in the book to discredit the opposition.
10. The team was ruthless on the field, demolishing their opponents with a record-breaking score.
11. The agent used ruthless methods to extract information, raising ethical questions about his actions.
12. He led a ruthless campaign against his rival, using misinformation to sway public opinion.
13. The sportsman had a ruthless drive to win, making him both admired and feared among his peers.
14. The ruthless dictator suppressed any form of dissent, leading to widespread fear and oppression.
15. The reporter pursued the story with ruthless determination, disregarding personal risks involved.
16. The ruthless quest for power fractured their friendship, leaving them estranged for years.
17. Her ruthless handling of the negotiations surprised everyone, securing an unexpectedly good deal.
18. The explorer was ruthless in his journey, sacrificing his crew's well-being to achieve his goal.
19. She made a ruthless decision to quit her job without a backup plan, banking solely on her talent.
20. The investor was ruthless in his acquisition of smaller companies, expanding his empire rapidly.
21. His ruthless conduct during the trial made many question the integrity of the judicial process.
22. The ruthless competitor manipulated the rules to his advantage, disregarding sportsmanship.
23. Known for his ruthless strategies, the chess player dominated the board without giving an inch.
24. The police were criticized for their ruthless crackdown on peaceful protesters, sparking outrage.