pitiless

American  

[pit-i-lis, pit-ee-] / ˈpɪt ɪ lɪs, ˈpɪt i- /

adjective

1. feeling or showing no pity; merciless.

   pitiless criticism of his last novel.

   Synonyms:

   implacable, unmerciful, relentless

   Antonyms:

   merciful

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pitiless British  

/ ˈpɪtɪlɪs /

adjective

1. having or showing little or no pity or mercy

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Related Words

See cruel.

Other Word Forms

• pitilessly adverb
• pitilessness noun

Etymology

Origin of pitiless

First recorded in 1375–1425, pitiless is from the late Middle English word piteles. See pity, -less

Example Sentences

Australian Jews are on the front lines in a pitiless war.

From The Wall Street Journal

She can peg a person’s height at a glance and sum up their prospects in a pitiless snap judgment.

From Los Angeles Times

As Ambrose Pierce wrote, “Patriotism is as fierce as a fever, pitiless and the grave, blind as a stone and irrational as a headless man.”

From Salon

Her loss unleashed Twain’s anger at pitiless fate, and his relationships with his two surviving daughters became increasingly estranged.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s the destination, not the journey because, again, creating art is a pitiless process that will grind you down.

From Los Angeles Times