ruthless

1 of 2

adjective

ruth·​less ˈrüth-ləs 

also ˈru̇th-

: having no pity : merciless, cruel

a ruthless tyrant

ruthlessly adverb

ruthlessness noun

ruthlessness

2 of 2

noun

ruth·​less·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being ruthless

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."

Synonyms of ruthless

Adjective

• merciless
• stony

Examples of ruthless in a Sentence

Adjective

The journalist was ruthless in his criticism.

an office supervisor with a ruthless disregard for others' feelings

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

She is described as brusque, cantankerous, ruthless — and also a killer. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Such ruthless prioritization produced some admirable results. — Julianne Smith, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026

Sure, that sounds ridiculous for a season about rape, infidelity, mass murder, suicide, and society’s ruthless commodification of those very things. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026

In part, Iran’s political system and ruthless crackdown on protest has given it some insulation from the economic destruction imposed by the blockade and sanctions. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English rewthles, routheeles, from rewthe, routhe "pity, ruth" + -les -less

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1777, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ruthless

• toothless

Kids Definition

ruthless

adjective

ruth·​less ˈrüth-ləs 

: having no pity : merciless, cruel

ruthlessly adverb

ruthlessness noun