ruthful
Americanadjective
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compassionate or sorrowful.
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causing or apt to cause sorrow or pity.
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feeling remorse or self-reproach.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of ruthful
Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; see origin at ruth, -ful
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Solskjær’s side are too ruthful in attack and defence, but can offset these weaknesses by dominating opponents in midfield.
From The Guardian • Dec. 31, 2020
Long did I stand, in the sunshine of that day when first I saw the ruin, wondering and distressed, ruthful, indignant that such things should be.
From Yet Again by Beerbohm, Max, Sir
Never," answered Roxy with a ruthful smile; "but, Phyllis, in school I listen.
From Phyllis by Johnson, Percy D.
Robin, at the twilight dim, Never let thine evening hymn, Bird of red and ruthful breast, Lend the bishop's Port a zest.
From The Humorous Poetry of the English Language; from Chaucer to Saxe by Parton, James
These little books contained, also, concise aphorisms and weighty words of advice like "After dinner rest awhile; after supper run a mile," and "Be vigilant, be truthful and your life will never be ruthful."
From A Son of the Middle Border by Garland, Hamlin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
