remorseless

American  

[ri-mawrs-lis] / rɪˈmɔrs lɪs /

adjective

1. without remorse; merciless; pitiless; relentless.

   Synonyms:

   cruel, inexorable, implacable, unrelenting, ruthless

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remorseless British  

/ rɪˈmɔːslɪs /

adjective

1. without compunction, pity, or compassion

2. not abating in intensity; relentless

   a remorseless wind

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Other Word Forms

• remorselessly adverb
• remorselessness noun

Etymology

Origin of remorseless

First recorded in 1585–95; remorse + -less

Explanation

A person who is remorseless doesn't feel any guilt. If you're remorseless, you don't feel bad at all — even if you've done something terrible. When someone is remorseless, that person has no feeling of pity for people who have been hurt. If you're remorseless, you have no conscience — essentially, you're cruel and ruthless. A remorseless killer doesn't care about her victim, and a remorseless critic doesn't worry about hurting someone's feelings with his harsh words. Remorse is regret, and it's rooted in the Latin word remordere, "to vex or disturb," or literally, "to bite back."

Example Sentences

But the scrutiny of those with Oval Office ambitions is remorseless, and the razzing Ms. Ocasio-Cortez received over recent halting and fuzzy answers have only increased such oversight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

But what's telling is how remorseless Gibson has been.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2025

“Wednesday’s tomorrow,” the Friar says in passing, noting a remorseless speed that seems to take everyone by surprise.

From New York Times • Jun. 16, 2023

Celtic have been more ruthless with their chances, they've shown a remorseless nature even when playing below their standard.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2023

Terryl called her in early 2009 about Reggie and said he was a remorseless, arrogant liar.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel