ruthlessly
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: In a manner showing no pity or compassion; without mercy or consideration for others.
Usage
The adverb "ruthlessly" describes how an action is performed—with extreme harshness, determination, and a complete lack of sympathy or mercy. It modifies verbs to indicate the uncompromising nature of an action.
Examples
- The general ruthlessly suppressed the rebellion, showing no quarter to the insurgents.
- To climb the corporate ladder, she ruthlessly eliminated any competition.
- The coach trained his team ruthlessly, pushing them far beyond their perceived limits.
- The government has been urged to deal ruthlessly with the strikers.
Advanced Usage
- In Business/Competition: Often used to describe aggressive, uncompromising strategies aimed solely at success or profit, with little regard for ethical considerations or the well-being of others.
- The company ruthlessly cut costs by laying off thousands of employees.
- In Criticism/Analysis: Can describe a severe, unsparing examination of a subject.
- The documentary ruthlessly exposes the corruption within the industry.
Variants and Related Words
- Ruthless (adjective): Having or showing no pity or compassion.
- He was a ruthless dictator.
- Ruthlessness (noun): The quality of being ruthless.
- Her success was built on a foundation of sheer ruthlessness.
Synonyms
- Mercilessly
- Pitilessly
- Relentlessly
- Unmercifully
- Brutally
- Savagely
Antonyms
- Mercifully
- Compassionately
- Gently
- Leniently
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To pursue something ruthlessly: To chase a goal with absolute determination and without being held back by scruples.
- He pursued his ambition ruthlessly, letting nothing stand in his way.
- To be cutthroat/ruthlessly competitive: Describes an environment or behavior where people are willing to harm others to succeed.
- The fashion industry is famously ruthlessly competitive.
Adverb
- in a ruthless manner
- the government has been urged to take immediate action to deal ruthlessly with the strikers