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ruthlessness

 - 3 dictionary results

ruth⋅less

  [rooth-lis]
–adjective
without pity or compassion; cruel; merciless: a ruthless tyrant.
Use ruthlessness in a Sentence
Origin:
1300–50; ME; see ruth, -less

Related forms:
ruth⋅less⋅ly, adverb
ruth⋅less⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
unrelenting, adamant, relentless. See cruel.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source Link To ruthlessness
ruth·less   (rōōth'lĭs)   
adj.  Having no compassion or pity; merciless: ruthless cruelty; ruthless opportunism.
ruth'less·ly adv., ruth'less·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

ruthless 
c.1327, from reuthe "pity, compassion" (c.1175), formed from reuwen "to rue" (see rue (v.)) on the model of true/truth, etc. Ruthful (c.1225) has fallen from use since late 17c. except as a deliberate archaism.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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