Heartless
/ˈhɑːrtləs/
Definitions
Lacking in compassion, sympathy, or kindness; cruel or unfeeling.
/ˈhɑːrtləs/
Lacking sympathy or compassion; cruel.
The heartless landlord evicted the family just before Christmas.
💡 Simply: Someone is heartless when they don't care about other people's feelings, like a superhero's arch-enemy.
👶 For kids: When someone is heartless, it means they don't care about other people's feelings and can be mean.
More Examples
Her heartless decision to fire all the employees was widely criticized.
The heartless behavior of the bully caused a lot of pain.
How It's Used
"The heartless villain showed no remorse for his actions."
"In the novel, the heartless king punished his enemies without mercy."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
heart of stone
A person who is insensitive and unsympathetic.
"He was described as having a heart of stone, refusing to help anyone in need."
From "heart" + "-less". The "heart" originally referred to the seat of emotions, so "heartless" literally means lacking a heart or lacking feeling, emotion, or compassion.
The word heartless has been used since the late 16th century, and its use has remained consistent in literature and daily speech.
Memory tip
Imagine a person without a heart – they wouldn't be able to feel any emotions or compassion.
Word Origin
"Without a heart"