Definition

The state of showing no mercy or compassion towards others.

Example

The pitilessness of the storm left the town in ruins.

Conversation

I just finished reading that novel about war, and the pitilessness really shocked me.

Yeah, war can be incredibly brutal and unforgiving.

It's hard to believe that people can be so cruel to each other.

True, it makes you appreciate peace even more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pitilessness → It is formed from "pity" (from Old French *pitié*, meaning compassion or sympathy) and the suffix "-less" (meaning without) combined with the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state of being). The word "pitilessness" means the state of being without pity or compassion.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pity' as compassion and remember that 'pitilessness' means the state of being without that compassion.

Visually Confused Words