ruthless
/ˈɹuːθləs/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Without pity or compassion; cruel, pitiless.
Adjective
Examples
At length their rage the hoſtile Pow’rs reſtrain, / All but the ruthleſs Monarch of the Main.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Uncompromising; unrelenting.
Adjective
Examples
Particular note, in this period, should be made of the actions of Joseph Denman, commander of the Northern Division of the Squadron, who went on an absolutely ruthless and systematic campaign along the African coast, burning so-called "slaving factories" to the ground and openly daring anyone who ob
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “ruthless” mean?
Without pity or compassion; cruel, pitiless.
Is “ruthless” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.