ruthless

adjective

ruth·​less ˈrüth-ləs How to pronounce ruthless (audio)
 also  ˈru̇th-
: having no pity : merciless, cruel
a ruthless tyrant
ruthlessly adverb
ruthlessness noun

Did you know?

If someone can be ruthless, can one also be ruthful?

Ruthless can be defined as "without ruth" or "having no ruth." So what, then, is ruth? The noun ruth, which is now considerably less common than ruthless, means "compassion for the misery of another," "sorrow for one's own faults," or "remorse." And, just as it is possible for one to be without ruth, it is also possible to be full of ruth. The antonym of ruthless is ruthful, meaning "full of ruth" or "tender." Ruthful can also mean "full of sorrow" or "causing sorrow." Ruth can be traced back to the Middle English noun ruthe, itself from ruen, meaning "to rue" or "to feel regret, remorse, or sorrow."

Examples of ruthless in a Sentence

The journalist was ruthless in his criticism. an office supervisor with a ruthless disregard for others' feelings
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 ruthless cartel is intent on cashing in, permeating our communities with their poison, with no regard to human suffering. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025 In just a few short months, under the occupation of Haiti’s ruthless gangs, her entire community had been reduced to rubble. Johnny Fils-Aimé, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025 There is a relentless, ruthless edge to him. Paul Taylor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 To survive a ruthless winnowing—to go from one of about 16,000 high-school quarterbacks each year to one of the 10 good ones in the NFL to one of the three or so each generation who earn the Hall of Fame’s gold jacket—hones certain traits within them and strips others away. Seth Wickersham, The Atlantic, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ruthless

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Ruthless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruthless. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

ruthless

adjective
ruth·​less ˈrüth-ləs How to pronounce ruthless (audio)
: having no pity : merciless, cruel
ruthlessly adverb
ruthlessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ruthless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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