Search Dictionary
Definition of unmerciful

unmerciful

/ʌnˈmɝːsɪfəl/
un · mer · ci · ful
Adverb:unmercifully
JUMP TO:

unmerciful Lexical Profile

unmerciful Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Showing no mercy, pity, or compassion toward others; cruel and unforgiving.

Example

"The critic was unmerciful in his assessment of the director's latest film."

2

Unpleasantly severe, extreme, or relentless in degree or intensity.

Example

"The hikers sought shelter in the canyon to escape the unmerciful desert heat."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for unmerciful
Antonyms
View all antonyms for unmerciful

• Rhymes for unmerciful

• Nearby Words

unmentionables
unmentionably
unmentioned
unmerciful
unmercifully
unmerited
unmet

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in Middle English in the late 14th century, formed from the prefix 'un-' and 'merciful' (derived via Old French from Latin 'merces', meaning 'reward, wages, or favor').

Cite this Entry

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