C1adjectiveconflictcrime
US/ˈruːθ.ləs/
UK/ˈruːθ.ləs/
willing to hurt or harm others to get what you want, without caring how they feel
In context
The dictator was ruthless toward anyone who criticized him.
The gang was known for its ruthless methods of collecting debts.
You need to be ruthless when you clear out your closet.
Words that go with ruthless
adjective + noun
- ruthless dictatorThe film tells the story of a ruthless dictator and the people who resisted him.
- ruthless efficiencyThe new manager cut costs with ruthless efficiency.
- ruthless pursuitCritics blame the ruthless pursuit of profit for the disaster.
- ruthless competitionSmall shops struggle against ruthless competition from online giants.
- ruthless leaderHistory remembers him as a ruthless leader.
adverb + adjective
- utterly ruthlessIn business, he could be utterly ruthless.