ruthless

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   without mercy or pity

   an act of ruthless ferocity

2. 2
   adj

   Without pity or compassion; cruel, pitiless.

   At length their rage the hoſtile Pow’rs reſtrain, / All but the ruthleſs Monarch of the Main.

3. 3
   adj

   Uncompromising; unrelenting.

   Particular note, in this period, should be made of the actions of Joseph Denman, commander of the Northern Division of the Squadron, who went on an absolutely ruthless and systematic campaign along the African coast, burning so-called "slaving factories" to the ground and openly daring anyone who objected to try and stop him.

Etymology

From Middle English reuþeles; equivalent to ruth + -less.