ruthless C1 Topic:Space, Position & Direction US /ˈɹuːθləs/ See IPA manual Freq #7371 Meanings 1 adj Showing no pity or mercy towards others. The dictator was known for his ruthless treatment of opponents. 2 adj Determined to succeed and unwilling to give up, even at others' expense. She was ruthless in her pursuit of the top job. Thesaurus Synonyms 1 adj · showing no pity or mercy... pitilesscruelmerciless 2 adj · determined to succeed and... uncompromisingunrelenting Word family Related forms ruthlesslyruthlessness Etymology AI details From Middle English reuþeles; equivalent to ruth + -less. reuþeles Middle English View etymology graph -> Topics Space, Position & Direction Word Formation & Derivatives External links Cambridge Dictionary Wiktionary Google Images # ruthless **Type:** Word **Level:** C1 **Part of speech:** adj **IPA (US):** /ˈɹuːθləs/ **Frequency rank:** 7371 ## Meanings 1. Showing no pity or mercy towards others. 2. Determined to succeed and unwilling to give up, even at others' expense. ## Examples - The dictator was known for his ruthless treatment of opponents. - She was ruthless in her pursuit of the top job. ## Related Forms - ruthlessly - ruthlessness ## Roots and Affixes - Root: reuþeles ## Etymology From Middle English reuþeles; equivalent to ruth + -less. ## AI Etymology Ruthless is from Middle English reuþeles; equivalent to ruth + -less. The analysis is mainly morphological: the modern adjectival form is built from the named base and affix. In present-day use, it can mean showing no pity or mercy towards others, or determined to succeed and unwilling to give up, even at others' expense. Related forms include ruthlessly, ruthlessness. ## Topics - Space, Position & Direction - Word Formation & Derivatives markdown