# merciless

/ˈmɝsəɫəs/ (US) · /mˈɜːsɪləs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/merciless
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

showing no kindness or pity toward someone. You use this to describe a person or thing that is very cruel and does not stop.

For teachers: showing no compassion or forgiveness; cruel and harsh in nature. Often used to describe people in power or extreme environmental conditions.

## Examples

- The merciless sun beat down on the desert travelers.
- The dictator was merciless toward anyone who dared to speak out against his government.
- The critics were merciless in their reviews, dissecting every minor flaw in the performance until the young actor's confidence was completely shattered.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.