Merciless Meaning
/ˈmɜːsɪləs/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjShowing no mercy; cruel and pitiless.
Sentence Examples
A merciless slaughter was committed in Srebrenica in 1995.
Old age is merciless.
The Vandals were known for their merciless brutality.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ dictator showed no pity to his prisoners in the camp.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The heat of the desert sun was ____, making it incredibly difficult for the travelers to continue their journey.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English merciles, mercyles, equivalent to mercy + -less.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The sun is merciless today, so please take care of yourself."
— 1995, HAL Laboratory, EarthBound, Nintendo, Super Nintendo Entertainment System:
"But the ruthless cleaning up of those streets and merciless treatment of gang members have triggered outrage and concern among human rights organizations, which have condemned Cecot as inhumane and unacceptable."
— 2024 November 6, David Culver, Abel Alvarado, Evelio Contreras and Rachel Clarke, “Exclusive: Locking eyes with mass murderers in El Salvador”, in CNN:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ dictator showed no pity to his prisoners in the camp.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The heat of the desert sun was ____, making it incredibly difficult for the travelers to continue their journey.