Synonyms for

Ruthless

Verb / ˈru:θlʌs / Another word for ruthless — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

having or showing no pity or compassion for others

Synonyms & similar words

remorseless pitiless unpitying merciless pitiless remorseless heartless cruel cold-blooded unfeeling unsympathetic harsh hard tough unforgiving inexorable rugged severe unyielding relentless brutal ruthful vicious

Synonyms by register

Formal

unscrupulous unrelenting inexorable adamant

Informal

hard-nosed tough cutthroat no-holds-barred

Literary

fell grim implacable

Antonyms

merciful compassionate kind gentle humane benevolent tender

Common collocations

  • ruthless efficiency
  • ruthless pursuit
  • ruthless ambition
  • ruthless dictator
  • ruthless killer
  • ruthless approach
  • ruthless competition

Word family

noun ruthlessness
adverb ruthlessly

Usage note

Often used to describe someone or something that is determined to achieve a goal without regard for the suffering of others. It carries a strong negative connotation.

Example sentences

  1. The ruthless dictator punished anyone who spoke against him.
  2. The ruthless teacher gave no second chances on tests.
  3. The ruthless coach benched players who didn't perform well.
  4. The ruthless landlord evicted tenants who couldn't pay rent.
  5. The ruthless hunter killed animals without any remorse.

Quotes

  • 'The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.' - Ernest Hemingway
  • 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.' - Winston Churchill
  • 'The only way to do great work is to love what you do.' - Steve Jobs

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