ruthless
Translation
ruthless, merciless, pitiless
Examples
He was a ruthless businessman.
He was a ruthless businessman.
She has a ruthless ambition to succeed.
She has a ruthless ambition to succeed.
Grammar Patterns
a ruthless ((noun)) showing no pity or compassion He was a ruthless businessman.
Similar Words
Synonyms: merciless, cruel, heartless; Antonyms: merciful, compassionate
Etymology
From Old English 'reuthe' (pity, compassion) + the suffix '-less' (without). 'Ruth' itself is an archaic word for pity.
Memory Tips
Think of 'ruth-less' as literally 'pity-less'. Someone who is ruthless acts without any pity or compassion for others.