Pronunciation: [ɹˈuːθləs] (IPA) 
The word "ruthless" is spelled with six letters and is pronounced /ˈruːθlɪs/. The IPA phonetic transcription for "ruthless" shows that the "r" is pronounced with a strong "r" sound, and the "u" is pronounced with a long "oo" sound. The "th" is pronounced like a soft "th" sound, followed by an "l" sound, which is then followed by an "i" pronounced like a short "i" sound. The final "s" is pronounced like it sounds in its written form.
Ruthless is an adjective that describes someone or something that is merciless, unrelenting, and lacking compassion or empathy towards others. The term is often used to characterize individuals who are excessively harsh, brutal, or cruel in their actions, decisions, or behavior.
A person who is ruthless is willing to disregard or ignore any moral or ethical considerations in order to achieve their objectives or satisfy their own interests, often prioritizing personal gain over the well-being or feelings of others. This can manifest in various ways, such as being cunning, manipulative, or deceitful in order to achieve their goals, even if it means causing harm or distress to others in the process.
In business or professional contexts, a ruthless individual may be highly ambitious, relentlessly pursuing success or advancement without regard for the consequences their actions may have on others. This can involve making calculated and strategic maneuvers that may undermine or exploit others for personal gain.
Similarly, a ruthless dictator or leader is one who exercises absolute power without any moral or humanitarian constraints, often overseeing oppressive regimes that suppress dissent and ignore human rights considerations.
In summary, someone or something that is characterized as ruthless is devoid of compassion, empathy, or concern for others, and is driven by a relentless pursuit of their own objectives, regardless of the effects or suffering it may cause.
Cruel; pitiless; insensible to the miseries of others.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "ruthless" originated from the Middle English term "ruthles", which was derived from the noun "ruth", meaning "compassion" or "pity". In Old English, "ruth" denoted "mercy" or "sorrow". The suffix "-less" was added to "ruth" to form "ruthless", implying the absence or lack of compassion or pity. Thus, "ruthless" came to describe someone who shows no mercy, remorse, or compassion towards others.
