early 14c., from reuthe "pity, compassion" (see ruth) + -less. Ruthful (early 13c.) has fallen from use since late 17c. except as a deliberate archaism. Related: Ruthlessly; ruthlessness.
权威例句
1. Successfully merging two banks requires a fast and ruthless attack on costs.
成功合并两家银行需要坚决快速地着手解决费用问题。
2. The late newspaper tycoon is condemned for his ruthless treatment of employees.
已故的报业大亨因为残忍地对待员工而遭到谴责。
3. Her lawyers have been ruthless in thrashing out a divorce settlement.
她的律师在讨论离婚协议的过程中表现得非常坚决。
4. He had the ruthless streak necessary to carry him into the Cabinet.
他具有进入内阁所必需的冷酷性格。
5. He also criticised the evictions for being violent and ruthless.