Remorseless - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

Being remorseless means showing no pity or compassion, even when causing harm or distress. It suggests a cold-heartedness, an inability to feel guilt or regret for one's actions. Think of a shark 🦈—it hunts without remorse. It's not just being tough; it's a complete absence of empathy. Remorselessness can be seen as a character flaw, especially when it leads to cruelty. It's the opposite of being forgiving or merciful. A remorseless person might not apologize, even when they've clearly done wrong.

Etymology

The word 'remorseless' comes from the Old French word 'remors,' meaning 'bitterness of conscience' or 'regret.' This traces back to the Latin word 'remordere,' which means 'to bite again' or 'to trouble.' The suffix '-less' means 'without.' So, 'remorseless' literally means 'without remorse' or 'without a troubled conscience.' It's related to the word 'remorseful,' which means feeling regret or guilt.

Related Words

Examples

• "The remorseless villain showed no mercy to his captives."
• "The company's remorseless pursuit of profits led to environmental damage."
• "The remorseless killer was sentenced to life in prison."
• "The critic delivered a remorseless review of the play."

Encouragement

Now that you know what 'remorseless' means, try using it in your writing or conversations. It's a powerful word for describing someone who lacks empathy. Don't be remorseless with your vocabulary—keep expanding it! 🧠

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