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Definition of ruthlessly

ruthlessly

/ˈruːθ.ləs.li/
ruth · less · ly
Adjective:ruthless
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ruthlessly Lexical Profile

ruthlessly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner that shows no pity, mercy, or compassion for others; cruelly or mercilessly.

Example

"The corporation ruthlessly eliminated its smaller competitors by undercutting their prices for years."

2

With uncompromising determination, strictness, or severity, without allowing sentiment to interfere.

Example

"The editor ruthlessly cut three entire chapters from the manuscript to improve the pacing of the novel."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for ruthlessly

• Nearby Words

ruta
rutabaga
ruthless
ruthlessly
ruthlessness
ruvuma
rux

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'ruthless', from the archaic noun 'ruth' meaning pity or compassion (from Old Norse 'hryggth', sorrow), combined with the privative suffix '-less' and adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ruthlessly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ruthlessly
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