unmerciful

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ʌnˈmɜːrsɪfəl/

KK: /ʌnˈmɜr.sɪ.fəl/

adjective

Definition

Showing no kindness or forgiveness; very harsh or cruel.

Example

The unmerciful storm caused great destruction in the town.

Conversation

Did you feel that unmerciful heat outside today?

I know, right? It was like walking into an oven!

I can't believe summer is already this intense.

Yeah, it feels like it's going to be a long season.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

cruel

harsh

ruthless

Antonyms

merciful

kind

gentle

Root Explanation

Unmerciful → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "merciful" (from Old French *merciful*, meaning full of mercy). The word "unmerciful" means not full of mercy or lacking compassion.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'full of mercy' — that's why unmerciful means lacking compassion.

Visually Confused Words