Merciless

Pronunciation: /ˈmɜrsɪlɪs/

Definitions of merciless

adjective showing no mercy; cruel or pitiless

Example Sentences

A1 The teacher was merciless in giving out homework.

A2 The storm was merciless, destroying everything in its path.

B1 The dictator ruled with a merciless hand, crushing any opposition.

B2 The judge handed down a merciless sentence to the criminal.

C1 The ruthless CEO was known for his merciless business tactics.

C2 The assassin was known for his merciless efficiency in carrying out his missions.

Examples of merciless in a Sentence

formal The dictator ruled with a merciless hand, showing no mercy to those who opposed him.

informal The teacher's strict grading policy was merciless, leaving no room for error.

slang The boss's criticism was absolutely merciless, he didn't hold back at all.

figurative The storm raged on with a merciless fury, destroying everything in its path.

Grammatical Forms of merciless

• past tense: mercilessed
• plural: mercilesses
• comparative: more merciless
• superlative: most merciless
• present tense: mercilesses
• future tense: will be merciless
• perfect tense: have been merciless
• continuous tense: is being merciless
• singular: merciless
• positive degree: merciless
• infinitive: to be merciless
• gerund: mercilessing
• participle: mercilessed

Origin and Evolution of merciless

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old French/Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'merciless' originated from the Old French word 'merciles' which was derived from the Latin word 'misericordia' meaning 'pity' or 'mercy'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'merciless' has retained its original meaning of lacking mercy or compassion, but has also come to be used more broadly to describe someone or something that is harsh, cruel, or unforgiving.