Pitiless

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈpɪtɪləs/

Definitions

1. This term describes an unyielding attitude reflecting both an absence of compassion in individuals and a setting that is devoid of mercy or kindness It embodies a stark refusal to show concern for others in both demeanor and surroundings
2. A lack of mercy or compassion can define a person or situation that is harsh and unfeeling, demonstrating an unwillingness to empathize with others' suffering or distress
3. Characterizing an individual or environment marked by severe indifference, this term signifies an absence of warmth and a relentless disposition towards those in need

Etymology: Pitiless is about as transparent as English compounds get: "pity" plus the suffix "-less", meaning "without". The suffix itself is old, coming from Old English "-lēas", which meant "free from" or "lacking" and was used with all sorts of nouns, so "pitiless" simply means "without pity" and has been built that way since the Middle English period. The base "pity" entered English from Old French "pitié", which descends from Latin "pietas". That Latin word originally covered duty, loyalty to family and gods, and devotion, and only gradually narrowed toward compassion for suffering. So the word "pity" carries a trace of a much broader sense of dutiful feeling, and "pitiless" is the negative of the narrower, softer meaning that came to dominate.

Synonyms: merciless, ruthless, cruel, heartless, callous

Antonyms: compassionate, merciful, kind, sympathetic, forgiving