Definition

Lacking kindness or compassion; showing no sympathy for others.

Example

His heartless actions left many people feeling hurt and abandoned.

Conversation

Did you hear about that heartless decision the company made?

Yeah, it shocked everyone!

I can't believe they would be so heartless to their employees.

Right? It feels so unfair to those who work hard.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Heartless → It is formed from "heart" (from Old English "heorte", meaning the organ that pumps blood and also symbolizes emotion) and "-less" (meaning without). The word "heartless" describes a state of being without heart, or lacking compassion and emotion.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'without' ('-less') 'heart' — this helps you remember that 'heartless' means lacking compassion or emotion.

Visually Confused Words