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.
My frustration only furthered my resolve to go full Nancy Drew and find out who committed this heartless crime. Maggie MacIntosh, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025 Those responsible for this reckless and heartless act must be held accountable. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025 One is addled by paranoia and extremism, the other knows only heartless corporate speak. Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 24 Oct. 2025 Michelle is a heartless professional and sees this as a battle between the wits (herself) and the dimwits (her captors). Randy Myers, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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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