What is another word for Ruthless? - 258 Ruthless Synonyms

Need another word for Ruthless? Use these synonyms of Ruthless from our thesaurus to say it differently.

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Synonyms & Similar Words

merciless pitiless cruel brutal heartless inhuman savage ferocious vicious relentless unforgiving unyielding harsh severe stern callous unfeeling unsympathetic cold-blooded cold-hearted remorseless unrelenting brutalized hardened implacable inexorable unsparing unconcerned unemotional affectless insensitive barbaric inhumane monstrous atrocious heinous abhorrent odious detestable horrible ghastly gruesome frightful terrifying fearsome daunting intimidating browbeating bullying tyrannical despotic dictatorial oppressive repressive autocratic domineering overbearing high-handed peremptory arbitrary capricious draconian punitive vindictive vengeful malevolent malignant baleful baneful deleterious pernicious noxious toxic poisonous lethal deadly mortal fatal calamitous disastrous cataclysmic apocalyptic

Meaning of Ruthless

The primary meaning of "Ruthless" is having or showing no pity or compassion for others.

Definitions

Having or showing no pity or compassion for others, especially in order to achieve a goal or gain an advantage
Lacking in kindness, pity, or mercy
Characterized by a lack of emotional response or concern for the well-being of others

Etymology of Ruthless

The word "Ruthless" has its roots in Old English, where "rūth" meant "pity" or "compassion"
The suffix "-less" is added to form the word "ruthless", meaning "without pity" or "lacking compassion"
The word has been in use since the 14th century, initially with a sense of "lacking in pity or compassion"
Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including a sense of "cruel" or "brutal"

Example Uses

The ruthless dictator crushed all opposition to his rule
The company's ruthless pursuit of profit led to the exploitation of its workers
The ruthless killer showed no remorse for his crimes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

merciful compassionate kind gentle lenient mild soft tender sympathetic empathetic humane benevolent benign charitable generous forgiving tolerant understanding considerate thoughtful warm cordial affable amiable congenial pleasant agreeable gracious courteous polite civil refined cultured sensitive feeling sentimental emotional passionate fervent ardent enthusiastic zealous dedicated devoted loyal faithful committed principled just fair equitable impartial unbiased neutral moderate temperate restrained disciplined self-controlled composed calm serene tranquil peaceful placid quiet still gentle quiet soft low hushed muted subdued restrained reserved shy modest humble unassuming meek mild tame domesticated civilized

What is another word for Ruthless? – 258 Ruthless Synonyms