ruthlessness
Meaning
The quality or state of being cruel and having no pity or compassion for others.
The fact of being determined to do something and not caring if you hurt other people when you do it.
Structure
Usage
The dictator was known for his utter ruthlessness in dealing with political opponents.
Her success in business was achieved with a certain ruthlessness that alienated some colleagues.
The film portrays the cold ruthlessness of the criminal underworld.
Etymology
The word 'ruthlessness' tells a story of compassion stripped away to create a state of being. Its core, 'ruth', is an archaic noun for pity or compassion, originating from the verb 'rue', meaning to feel sorrow or regret, with Germanic roots. The addition of the Old English suffix '-less' transforms it into the adjective 'ruthless', literally meaning "devoid of compassion or pity". Finally, the abstract noun-forming suffix '-ness', also from Old English, is appended to describe the resulting quality or condition. Thus, the modern term 'ruthlessness' logically builds from its morphemes to denote the hardened state of being completely without mercy or remorse.
Analysis
ruth: From Middle English 'ruthe', 'reuthe', from the noun 'rue' (to feel sorrow, regret) of Old English and Old Norse origin. Functions as the core root meaning "pity, compassion, sorrow". less: From Old English '-lēas', meaning "free from, without". Functions as a suffix forming adjectives meaning "lacking, devoid of". ness: From Old English '-nes(s)', a suffix forming abstract nouns expressing state, condition, or quality.