ruthlessness

/'ru:θlisnis/
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ruthlessness

A general's ruthlessness led to the swift conquest of the territory.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The quality or state of being ruthless; showing no pity or compassion for others. It describes a merciless, harsh, and often cruel determination to achieve one's goals without being stopped by concern for the suffering of others.
Usage
  • The word "ruthlessness" is an uncountable noun. It is used to describe a characteristic or behavior, not a single action.
  • It is often used in contexts discussing business, politics, competition, or conflict to describe an extreme and uncompromising approach.
Examples
  • Noun:
    • His success in business was built on a foundation of ruthlessness and ambition.
    • The dictator was feared for his ruthlessness in dealing with political opponents.
    • The ruthlessness of the attack shocked the international community.
Advanced Usage
  • "with ruthless efficiency": This common collocation emphasizes that the ruthlessness is systematic and effective.
    • The company cut costs with ruthless efficiency, laying off thousands of workers.
  • "cold ruthlessness": Adds an adjective to emphasize the emotionless, calculated nature of the behavior.
    • She pursued her goals with a cold ruthlessness that alienated her colleagues.
Variants and Related Words
  • Ruthless (adj): Having or showing no pity or compassion for others.
    • He was a ruthless competitor.
  • Ruthlessly (adv): In a ruthless manner.
    • The army ruthlessly suppressed the rebellion.
Synonyms
  • Mercilessness: The quality of showing no mercy.
  • Cruelty: Willfully causing pain or suffering to others.
  • Heartlessness: Lack of sympathy or feeling for others.
  • Callousness: Insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
Antonyms
  • Compassion: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
  • Mercy: Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
  • Kindness: The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • "The ends justify the means": This philosophical idea is often associated with ruthlessness, suggesting that any action, however ruthless, is acceptable if it leads to a good outcome.
    • He believed the ends justified the means, leading to a policy of utter ruthlessness.
  • "Cutthroat competition": Intense and ruthless competition where opponents are willing to harm each other to succeed.
    • The industry is known for its cutthroat competition and corporate ruthlessness.
ruthlessness

A general's ruthlessness led to the swift conquest of the territory.

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

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