# mercilessly

/ˈmɝsəɫəsɫi/ (US) · /mˈɜːsɪləsli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mercilessly
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

to do something in a way that is very cruel or without any mercy. You use this when someone is being very harsh or unfair.

For teachers: in a manner that lacks compassion or pity; without any mercy or leniency.

## Examples

- The sun mercilessly beat down on the desert.
- The manager mercilessly criticized the team's performance during the meeting, leaving no room for excuses.
- The winter wind mercilessly stripped the leaves from the trees, leaving the landscape bare and vulnerable to the approaching storm.

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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.