heartless

adjective

heart·​less ˈhärt-ləs How to pronounce heartless (audio)
Synonyms of heartlessnext
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.
In one corner, the heartless girlboss; in the other, the crackpot conspiracy theorist (who just happens to be more sympathetic and charismatic than such types usually are). Nate Jones, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026 Miller has always taken the American people for brainless, heartless chumps lost in a swamp of nostalgia who’ll believe whatever Trumpworld tells them to. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026 But state leaders should understand that ignoring their needs is not only heartless, but fiscally irresponsible. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026 Erika Kirk would trade EVERY title to have Charlie back, you heartless witch. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 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 5 Feb. 2026.

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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