unmerciful

[ uhn-mur-si-fuhl ]

adjective

1. merciless; relentless; severe; cruel; pitiless.
2. unsparingly great, extreme, or excessive, as amounts:

   to talk for an unmerciful length of time.

unmerciful

/ ʌnˈmɜːsɪfʊl /

adjective

1. showing no mercy; relentless
2. extreme or excessive

Derived Forms

• unˈmercifulness, noun
• unˈmercifully, adverb

Other Words From

• un·merci·ful·ly adverb
• un·merci·ful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unmerciful¹

First recorded in 1475–85; un- ¹ + merciful

Example Sentences

His master may be a man of some conscientious scruples; ours may be unmerciful.

From Project Gutenberg

Chaucer refers us to Aleyn's description on account of its unmerciful length; it was hopeless to attempt even an epitome of it.

From Project Gutenberg

One characteristic mark of a heathen is, that he is "without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful."

From Project Gutenberg

No sooner had the hated word been uttered, than his companions assailed him in a most unmerciful manner.

From Project Gutenberg

His denial was unavailing, and by the enraged teacher he was beaten in a most unjust and unmerciful manner.

From Project Gutenberg