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English Lexicon

Ruthless

/ˈruːθ.ləs/
adjectiveCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #4500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    Having or showing no pity or compassion for others.

    "The dictator was known for his ruthless suppression of political dissent."
  2. 2

    Relentless and cruel in pursuit of a goal or objective.

    "She displayed ruthless determination in her climb to the top of the corporate ladder."
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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the noun 'ruth' (meaning compassion or pity), which comes from the Old Norse 'hrúðr' or Middle English 'ruthe', combined with the suffix '-less' (meaning without). First recorded in the late 14th century, the word originally meant sorrowful or causing pity, but by the 16th century shifted to mean lacking pity, mercy, or compassion.

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