Ruthlessly - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Ruthlessly means acting without pity or compassion, often in a harsh or cruel manner to achieve a goal. It describes behavior that is relentless and shows no mercy.
Definition:
Acting without pity or compassion, often harshly or cruelly.
Synonyms:
mercilessly, brutally, pitilessly, relentlessly
Part of Speech:
adverb
Antonyms:
compassionately, kindly, gently
Common Collocations:
act ruthlessly, compete ruthlessly, pursue ruthlessly
Derivatives:
ruthless, ruthlessness
Usage Tips:
Use "ruthlessly" to describe actions done without mercy or hesitation, often in competitive or aggressive contexts.
Common Phrases:
cutthroat competition, no holds barred, take no prisoners
Etymology:
Derived from "ruth" (pity) + "-less," meaning "without pity," first recorded in the 14th century.
Examples:
- 1. The dictator ruled ruthlessly, silencing all opposition.
- 2. She pursued her goals ruthlessly, ignoring others' feelings.
- 3. The company cut costs ruthlessly to maximize profits.
- 4. He criticized his rivals ruthlessly during the debate.