# ruthless

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈɹuːθləs/ · frequency rank #12,132

## Definitions
1. Without pity or compassion; cruel, pitiless.
2. Uncompromising; unrelenting.

## Etymology
From Middle English reuþeles; equivalent to ruth + -less.

## Easily confused with
- **ruthlessly** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ruthless-vs-ruthlessly)

## Common misspellings (11)
`rruthless`, `rtuhless`, `ruhtless`, `ruthelss`, `ruthhless`, `ruthles`, `ruthlless`, `ruthlses`, `rutlhess`, `rutthless`, `urthless`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/ruthless