pitiless

[pit-i-lis, pit-ee-]

adjective

1. feeling or showing no pity; merciless.

   pitiless criticism of his last novel.

   Synonyms: implacable, unmerciful, relentless
   Antonyms: merciful

pitiless

/ ˈpɪtɪlɪs /

adjective

1. having or showing little or no pity or mercy

Other Word Forms

• pitilessly adverb
• pitilessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pitiless¹

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

Synonym Study

See cruel.

Example Sentences

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

Liu doesn’t invite a shred of sympathy for this pitiless mom.

From Los Angeles Times