ruthlessness
gb/ɹˈuθləsnəs/ us/ɹˈuθləsnəs/
C1
English
könyörtelenség, kegyetlenség, kíméletlenség
NOUN
C1
1
kegyetlenség
B2
Usage pattern:
the ruthlessness of [someone/something]
The dictator’s ruthlessness kept the population in constant fear.
A diktátor könyörtelensége állandó félelemben tartotta a lakosságot.
The documentary shows the ruthlessness of the cartel toward anyone who resists.
A dokumentumfilm megmutatja a kartell könyörtelenségét mindenkivel szemben, aki ellenáll.
Her ruthlessness in the courtroom surprised even her colleagues.
Learner examples
His ruthlessness hurt many people.
A könyörtelensége sok embernek ártott.
The boss’s ruthlessness made the team afraid.
A főnök könyörtelensége félelmet keltett a csapatban.
Common mistake:
Do not confuse ruthlessness (no mercy) with rudeness (impolite behavior).
Meaning
lack of pity or mercy
Collocations
sheer ruthlessness
|cold ruthlessness
|brutal ruthlessness
|a display of ruthlessness
|an act of ruthlessness
|the ruthlessness of the regime
|the gang's ruthlessness
|respond with ruthlessness
|show ruthlessness
|condemn ruthlessness
Synonyms
mercilessness (Focuses on having no mercy.)
|
cruelty (General term for causing suffering.)
|
callousness (Emphasizes emotional hardness and lack of feeling.)
Antonyms
mercy (Willingness to forgive or not harm.)
|
compassion (Concern for others’ suffering.)
|
kindness (A gentle, helpful attitude toward others.)
Themes
emotions
|behavior
|conflict
|society
Definition
Ruthlessness is being cruel and not feeling sorry for others.
The quality of being willing to harm, punish, or exploit others without pity, mercy, or compassion.
NOUN
C1
BUSINESS
2
Usage pattern:
ruthlessness in [business/politics/sport/negotiations]
His ruthlessness in negotiations helped him secure the deal, but it damaged trust.
A tárgyalásokon tanúsított kíméletlensége segített neki nyélbe ütni az üzletet, de aláásta a bizalmat.
The company expanded with a ruthlessness that left smaller rivals struggling to survive.
A vállalat olyan kíméletlenséggel terjeszkedett, hogy a kisebb versenytársaknak a túlélésért kellett küzdeniük.
In elite sport, a certain ruthlessness can be the difference between first and second.
Learner examples
In business, her ruthlessness helped her win contracts.
Az üzleti életben a kíméletlensége segített neki szerződéseket nyerni.
Common mistake:
In this sense, it can describe strategy and competitiveness, not only physical violence.
Meaning
hard, aggressive determination to win
Collocations
corporate ruthlessness
|political ruthlessness
|strategic ruthlessness
|ruthlessness in negotiations
|a certain ruthlessness
|competitive ruthlessness
|admire his ruthlessness
|reward ruthlessness
|ruthlessness pays
|need ruthlessness
Synonyms
hard-nosedness (Emphasizes being practical and tough-minded.)
|
cutthroatness (Stronger; suggests extreme, unethical competition.)
|
toughness (More general; may not imply harming others.)
Antonyms
fairness (Competing or deciding by just rules and equal treatment.)
|
soft-heartedness (Being easily moved by sympathy.)
|
leniency (Being less strict or harsh than expected.)
Themes
business
|politics
|competition
|work
Definition
Ruthlessness can mean doing whatever helps you win, even if it seems harsh.
A tough, single-minded determination to succeed or gain advantage, especially by making decisions that ignore others’ feelings or interests.
Grammar
Dictionary form
ruthlessness
IPA
GB/ɹˈuθləsnəs/
US/ɹˈuθləsnəs/
Syllables & stress
ruth - less - ness (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ruth)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: ruthlessness
- Plural: ruthlessness
Expressions
a streak of ruthlessness
1/ə stɹˈik əv ɹˈuθləsnəs/
fixed phrase
a hidden cruel side
A part of someone’s character that can be cruel.
Examples
- Behind his friendly smile was a streak of ruthlessness.
- To succeed at the highest level, she developed a streak of ruthlessness.
- His streak of ruthlessness showed when he blamed others to protect himself.
Learner examples
- She has a streak of ruthlessness.
to the point of ruthlessness
1/tə ðə pˈɔɪnt əv ɹˈuθləsnəs/
fixed phrase
so extreme it seems merciless
So strong or strict that it feels cruel.
Examples
- She was honest to the point of ruthlessness when giving feedback.
- They pursued cost cuts to the point of ruthlessness.
- He was efficient to the point of ruthlessness, firing anyone who slowed the team down.
Learner examples
- He was practical to the point of ruthlessness.
with cold ruthlessness
1/wˈɪθ kˈoʊld ɹˈuθləsnəs/
fixed phrase
in a cruel, unemotional way
In a very cruel way, without feelings.
Examples
- The leader eliminated his opponents with cold ruthlessness.
- The policy was enforced with cold ruthlessness, regardless of the human cost.
- She pursued revenge with cold ruthlessness.
Learner examples
- He acted with cold ruthlessness.