heartless

adjective

heart·​less ˈhärt-ləs How to pronounce heartless (audio)
1
archaic : spiritless
2
: lacking feeling : cruel
heartlessly adverb
heartlessness noun

Examples of heartless in a Sentence

a heartless boss who would fire people for missing work, even if they were sick as a dog a heartless enemy that takes no prisoners
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This vile, heartless remark is completely unacceptable—especially from someone entrusted with our children. Amy Delaura, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025 Moreover, the fact that Ms. Presley chooses to make heartless and ridiculous statements about Area 51 and Bigfoot, making a mockery of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s death and his only daughter’s death, is shameful, disappointing and unforgivable. Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025 In that movie, Trump was tutored in the ways of heartless power by Roy Cohn; here, Putin is schooled in the semiotics of propaganda trickery by Baranov, the dark media genius. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025 Democrats saw an opportunity to portray her as selfish and heartless, willing to manipulate the legal system at the expense of grieving children. Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heartless

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heartless was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heartless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartless. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

heartless

adjective
heart·​less ˈhärt-ləs How to pronounce heartless (audio)
heartlessly adverb
heartlessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on heartless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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