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ruthlessness

[ˈruːθləsnəs]
nounfeminine
crueldade
1. The quality or state of being ruthless; lack of compassion or mercy; willingness to do whatever is necessary to achieve one's goals without regard for others
The dictator's ruthlessness was evident in his treatment of political opponents.
A crueldade do ditador era evidente no seu tratamento dos opositores políticos.
2. Extreme severity or harshness in action or behavior
The business competitor's ruthlessness in undercutting prices drove many smaller firms out of business.
A crueldade do concorrente comercial ao reduzir preços forçou muitas empresas menores a fechar.
Synonyms
crueltymercilessnesscallousnessharshnessseverityinhumanity
Antonyms
compassionmercykindnessgentlenesstendernesshumanity

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
crueldade
Most common term used across Brazil
General Brazilian
impiedade
More formal alternative meaning lack of pity
Portugal
crueldade
Standard usage in European Portuguese
Portugal
desapiedade
Less common but understood formal alternative

Related Idioms & Phrases

with ruthless determination
without mercy or compassion
cutthroat business practices
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