Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality or state of being pitiless; mercilessness characterized by a lack of pity or compassion. It refers to a harsh, unfeeling nature that shows no kindness or mercy towards others.
   • Feelings or actions demonstrating extreme heartlessness or cruelty. This meaning emphasizes the emotional coldness and indifference to the suffering of others.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The dictator ruled with such pitilessness that the people lived in constant fear.
  • Her pitilessness towards the struggling animal shocked the onlookers.
  • The story explores the pitilessness of nature and the struggle for survival.

Advanced Usage

• "The pitilessness of fate": A phrase used to describe how uncontrollable events or destiny can seem cruel and without compassion.

  • The novel's theme is the pitilessness of fate in shaping human lives.

• "To face something with pitilessness": To confront a situation or person with a complete lack of mercy.

  • The prosecutor examined the witness with a cold pitilessness.

Variants and Related Words

• Pitiless (adj): Showing no pity; merciless.

  • The pitiless sun beat down on the desert travelers.

• Pitilessly (adv): In a pitiless manner.

  • The critic pitilessly dismantled the author's argument.

Synonyms

• Mercilessness: Lack of mercy.
• Ruthlessness: The quality of having no pity or compassion for others.
• Heartlessness: Lack of sympathy or feeling.
• Cruelty: Willful infliction of pain or suffering.
• Callousness: Insensitive and cruel disregard for others.

Antonyms

• Compassion: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings of others.
• Mercy: Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish.
• Kindness: The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A pitiless eye": A gaze or scrutiny that is harsh and unforgiving.

  • The teacher looked over the failed exams with a pitiless eye.

• "Pitiless logic": Reasoning or an argument that is brutally objective and ignores human emotion.

  • He applied a pitiless logic to the business decision, ignoring the human cost.

Noun

1. mercilessness characterized by a lack of pity
2. feelings of extreme heartlessness