ruthlessness
UK: ˈruːθləsnəs | US: ˈruːθləsnəs
n. the quality or state of being ruthless; mercilessness; lack of pity or compassion
ruthlessness = ruth<compassion> + less<without> + ness<noun suffix>
- ruth (from Middle English reuthe, meaning "compassion" or "pity," derived from Old Norse hryggð "sorrow")
- less (a suffix from Old English -lēas, meaning "without" or "lacking")
- ness (a noun-forming suffix from Old English -nes, indicating a state or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word ruthlessness traces back to the Middle English reuthe (pity), combined with the negating suffix -less (without) and the abstract noun suffix -ness. The root ruth originally conveyed sorrow or compassion, but when paired with -less, it flips to imply a complete absence of mercy. Over time, ruthlessness evolved to describe unrelenting harshness, reflecting the logical progression from "lacking pity" to "actively cruel or unyielding."
The dictator ruled with absolute ruthlessness, crushing any opposition.
Her ruthlessness in business earned her success but few friends.
The novel’s villain is defined by his chilling ruthlessness.
Critics condemned the army’s ruthlessness toward civilians.
In nature, predators exhibit a kind of ruthlessness essential for survival.