ruthless
word
/ˈɹuθɫəs/
ROOTH-luhs
/ɹˈuːθləs/
ROOTH-luhs
Definition
Someone who is ruthless does not care if they hurt other people or do bad things to achieve their goals. They show no pity or compassion.
Usage & Nuances
'Ruthless' is usually negative and describes people or actions lacking sympathy, often in business or competition ('ruthless tactics'). It is more intense than 'strict' or 'tough.' Not used for things like weather or objects.
Spanish: despiadado - sin piedadPortuguese (BR): implacável - sem piedadePortuguese (PT): impiedoso - sem piedadeChinese (Simplified): 无情的 - 残忍的Chinese (Traditional): 無情的 - 殘忍的Hindi: निर्दयी - कठोरArabic: قاسٍ - بلا رحمةBengali: নির্দয় - নির্মমRussian: безжалостный - беспощадныйJapanese: 冷酷な - 無慈悲なVietnamese: tàn nhẫn - không khoan nhượngKorean: 무자비한 - 냉혹한Turkish: acımasız - merhametsizUrdu: سنگدل - بے رحمIndonesian: kejam - tanpa belas kasihan
Example Sentences
The boss was ruthless with his employees.
basic
A ruthless criminal attacked the bank.
basic
She used ruthless tactics to win the race.
basic
People say he’s charming, but he can be ruthless when making decisions.
natural
Her ruthless pursuit of success surprised everyone.
natural
Don’t underestimate how ruthless the competition can get in this industry.
natural