erbarmungslos
ruthless · merciless
Wenn jemand kein Mitleid zeigt und sehr hart oder grausam zu anderen ist.
Definition & Meaning
The adjective erbarmungslos describes someone or something that acts without mercy, pity, or compassion. It refers to a lack of leniency or forgiveness, often implying a harsh, strict, or cruel nature.
The word can be used in two main contexts:
- Behavior or character: Describing a person or their actions that are ruthless, unrelenting, or pitiless (e.g., a "erbarmungslos" critic).
- Environmental or physical conditions: Describing something that is intense, unrelenting, or oppressive, such as "die erbarmungslose Sonne" (the merciless sun) or "erbarmungslose Kälte" (relentless cold).
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar:
- Type: Adjective (can be used as an adverb or as an attributive adjective).
- Declension: It follows standard German adjective declension rules (e.g., ein erbarmungsloser Richter, eine erbarmungslose Entscheidung).
Word origin: The word is a compound noun formed from:
- Erbarmung: Derived from the verb erbarmen (to have pity or mercy on someone).
- -los: A suffix meaning "-less" (without).
Together, they literally translate to "without pity" or "merciless."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
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Examples
Der Kritiker urteilt erbarmungslos über den neuen Film.adverb
The critic judges the new film ruthlessly.
Sie agiert auf dem Spielfeld immer erbarmungslos.adverb
She always acts mercilessly on the field.
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