Merciless
/ˈmɜːrsɪləs/
Definitions
Showing no mercy or compassion; pitiless.
/ˈmɜːrsɪləs/
Showing no mercy or compassion; cruel.
The merciless sun beat down on the parched earth.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who doesn't care about how others feel, like a video game boss who keeps attacking without letting you catch your breath. That's merciless!
👶 For kids: When someone is merciless, they don't show any kindness or care for others. Like a bully who keeps being mean.
More Examples
The dictator ruled with a merciless hand.
The critic was merciless in her review of the movie.
How It's Used
"The merciless general ordered the execution of all prisoners."
"The story depicted a merciless winter, freezing all the crops."
"The boss was merciless, making people work overtime without pay."
Idioms & expressions
Show no mercy
To be completely ruthless and unforgiving.
"The team showed no mercy to their opponents, winning by a landslide."
Mercilessly efficient
Describes something that is extremely effective, but at the expense of other considerations, such as employee well-being.
"The company was mercilessly efficient, constantly cutting costs and staff."
From Middle English *merci, meaning 'mercy,' + -less, meaning 'without.' It signifies lacking or showing no mercy.
The word 'merciless' has been used for centuries, initially associated with a lack of religious mercy or divine judgment before being used to describe human behavior.
Memory tip
Think of a 'mercy' that is 'less' - no mercy at all!
Word Origin
"lacking mercy"