ruth·less

[rooth-lis]
adjective
without pity or compassion; cruel; merciless: a ruthless tyrant.

Origin:
1300–50; Middle English; see ruth, -less

ruth·less·ly, adverb
ruth·less·ness, noun


unrelenting, adamant, relentless. See cruel.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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World English Dictionary
ruthless (ˈruːθlɪs) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
adj
feeling or showing no mercy; hardhearted
 
'ruthlessly
 
adv
 
'ruthlessness
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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00:10
Ruthless is always a great word to know.
So is slumgullion. Does it mean:
a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

ruthless
early 14c., from reuthe "pity, compassion" (late 12c.), formed from reuwen "to rue" (see rue (v.)) on the model of true/truth, etc. Ruthful (early 13c.) has fallen from use since late 17c. except as a deliberate archaism.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Cancer's endless mutability, its ruthless adaptation to survive, is being
  matched by resourcefulness.
His eyes are focused and intense, looking ruthless and intimidating but also
  revealing an inner pain.
Jobs was ruthless, manipulative, charismatic and utterly determined.
They were ruthless opportunists with nothing to lose-except their lives.
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