ruthless attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ruthless attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an effort that is harsh, unyielding, or without compassion in pursuit of a goal. Example: "His ruthless attempt to win the competition left many of his colleagues feeling betrayed and demoralized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The Khmer Rouge split families apart in a ruthless attempt to remake society.

The Guardian

"A particular tragedy for this land was the ruthless attempt by the government of that time to silence the voice of the church," he said.

The New York Times

Despite a ruthless attempt to socialize David as a girl, and to give him the correct hormonal treatment to develop as one, his behavioral and psychological makeup was still ineradicably male.

The New York Times - Magazine

Remarkably little fiction has been written about Iran since the revolution, which is surprising considering the creative opportunities offered by such a violent and ruthless attempt to remake a society.

The New York Times - Books

David Cameron said the package of bills marked a "ruthless" attempt to refocus the work of the government on "hard-working families" as Downing Street removed what the Tories' new campaign director, Lynton Crosby, referred to as "the barnacles off the boat" from its legislative programme.

The Guardian

South Africa's biggest trade union group Cosatu said: "The federation extends its condolences to the families and friends of all those who have lost their lives in this latest violence and reiterates its call for workers to observe maximum discipline and unity in the face of a ruthless attempt to divide and weaken them".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Aleppo was divided almost immediately into government- and rebel-controlled areas, along lines that have remained mostly static ever since: a stalemate unmoved by repeated and often ruthless attempts to dislodge the other side.

The Guardian

"True one bedroom," "spacious," "comfy," "sexy," "cool," "amazing," "super amazing," even nouns as seemingly uncontestable as "closet" and "light": all are ruthless attempts to manipulate a population in which the prospect of hardwood floors buffed to a high gloss inspires a degree of lust beyond that of mere human flesh.

The New Yorker

In his conquest of power, Mao Zedong used military tactics derived from Sun Tzu, who lived around 500 BC; Confucianism, dating from around the same time, remains at the heart of China's social thinking, despite Mao's ruthless attempts to suppress it.

The Guardian - Business

Caudwell, who said he was "sickened and saddened" for the nearly 6,000 staff who work at the Staffordshire-based firm, said he had never seen "such a ruthless, hard-hearted attempt to kill a company".

Independent

Crews of commercial ships in the Mediterranean have reported the abuses perpetuated by ruthless traffickers who attempt to offload their human cargo before reaching European ports, where they fear being arrested by authorities.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ruthless attempt", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the severity and lack of compassion involved in the effort. This phrase carries a strong negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "ruthless attempt" in situations where the effort is simply determined or efficient without involving any actual harm or lack of empathy. Choose a more neutral term like "determined effort" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ruthless attempt" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "ruthless" modifies the noun "attempt". It is often used to describe a specific action or strategy employed to achieve a goal, as demonstrated by examples on Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ruthless attempt" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, though it carries a strong negative connotation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts to describe actions taken with a harsh disregard for others. Related phrases include "merciless effort" and "heartless endeavor". When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its strong negative implications. It is better to prevent its overuse in neutral situations. It is recommended to consider the impact the sentence has on the reader and to be precise with your word choice to prevent misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merciless effort

Substitutes "ruthless" with "merciless", highlighting the absence of compassion.

heartless endeavor

Replaces "ruthless" with "heartless", emphasizing a lack of empathy.

relentless push

Replaces "attempt" with "push", focusing on continuous and forceful action.

unscrupulous endeavor

Emphasizes the lack of moral principles guiding the effort.

determined assault

Replaces "ruthless attempt" with a phrase suggesting a forceful and unwavering effort.

cold-blooded scheme

Implies a calculated and unemotional plan.

brutal campaign

Suggests a harsh and aggressive series of actions.

dogged pursuit

Focuses on persistent and tenacious effort.

cutthroat initiative

Highlights fierce competition and a willingness to harm others.

aggressive maneuver

Highlights a bold and assertive action.

FAQs

How can I use "ruthless attempt" in a sentence?

Use "ruthless attempt" to describe an action or effort that is carried out with a harsh disregard for the consequences or feelings of others. For example: "The corporation's "ruthless attempt" to monopolize the market left many small businesses bankrupt."

What are some synonyms for "ruthless attempt"?

Alternatives to "ruthless attempt" include "merciless effort", "heartless endeavor", or "relentless push". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "ruthless attempt" always negative?

Yes, "ruthless attempt" carries a strong negative connotation, implying a lack of compassion and a willingness to cause harm to achieve a goal. Use it cautiously and only when the context warrants such a strong term.

What is the difference between "ruthless attempt" and "determined attempt"?

"Determined attempt" suggests a strong resolve and persistence, while "ruthless attempt" adds the element of a lack of compassion or morality. A "determined attempt" is simply focused, whereas a "ruthless attempt" is harsh and potentially harmful.