Search Dictionary
Definition of ruthless

ruthless

/ˈruːθ.ləs/
ruth · less
Adverb:ruthlessly
JUMP TO:

ruthless Lexical Profile

ruthless Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having or showing no pity, compassion, or mercy toward others.

Example

"The historian described the ancient emperor as a ruthless ruler who tolerated no dissent."

2

Unwaveringly decisive, thorough, or uncompromising in pursuit of a goal, without regard for sentiment or convenience.

Example

"Decluttering a small apartment requires a ruthless approach to discarding unused belongings."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ruthless
Antonyms
View all antonyms for ruthless

• Rhymes for ruthless

• Nearby Words

rut
ruta
rutabaga
ruthless
ruthlessly
ruthlessness
ruvuma

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in Middle English, the word combines the now-archaic noun 'ruth' (meaning pity, compassion, or sorrow, related to the verb 'rue') with the suffix '-less'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ruthless. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ruthless
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.