ruthless face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ruthless face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone whose facial expression conveys a lack of compassion or mercy, often in a context of determination or aggression. Example: "As she entered the boardroom, her ruthless face made it clear that she meant business and would not tolerate any dissent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Al-Khalifa [the rulers of Bahrain] will definitely pay the price for that and their bloodthirsty regime will be toppled," warned Suleimani, who heads the Guards' elite Quds force and is seen as the ruthless face of Iran's strategic reach across the Middle East.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He had a ruthless look on his face.

The New Yorker

A more intelligent or ruthless man, faced with marriage to an unloved woman – a professional womb, ordered in – might have chosen someone cynical; he might have made a bargain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Officers of both yesterday and today deserve the full protection of the law when facing ruthless criminals and in this case 'life' should have meant what it said".

The Guardian

As individuals, taxi drivers are stuck: their industry is controlled by outdated regulation and now they face ruthless free-market competition.

The New Yorker

Drunk drivers caught offending for a second time, the prime minister continued, could lose their licence for up to five years and face "ruthless" jail sentences.Mr Tusk also announced that from 2015 all vehicles had to carry a breathalyser.

The Economist

The feminism storyline was effective, I thought, with Nyborg shown to stand by Henriette Klitgaard while she was being mauled over lingerie shots and affairs – refusing to judge the minister by tabloid standards even when others were urging her to do just that, but ruthless in the face of Klitgaard's defeat.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The problem is part corruption, part incompetence and partly the petty refusal of neighboring governments to cooperate, as rhinos face ruthless, highly organized international syndicates, according to the report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, an analytical group.

Los Angeles Times

She later became an executive and then CEO of the company, taking over from her old boss R.L., a ruthless wolf whose face is never seen apart from his drooling mouth, only to be pushed out later in a bloodless coup by R.L. and is now currently running her own start-up company, Dewclaw's Fine Meat Products that exclusively doesn't hunt rabbits.

Wikipedia

Girls in the upper grades pull the petals off and bury them in a mound in the schoolyard, their fingers ruthless and their faces shrouded with a sad seriousness.

The New Yorker

"The agency has always sought a clear legal framework, conducting the program in strict accord with U.S. law, and protecting the officers who go face-to-face with ruthless terrorists," Mr. Little added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing fiction, consider pairing a description of a "ruthless face" with internal thoughts to create contrast or depth in a character.

Common error

Avoid directly stating that someone has a "ruthless face" in dialogue; instead, show it through actions and subtle cues. For example, rather than saying, "He had a ruthless face," describe the tightening of his jaw or the coldness in his eyes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ruthless face" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying a noun (a person or character) by attributing a specific quality to their facial appearance. This quality, "ruthless", indicates a lack of compassion or a determination to achieve goals regardless of consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ruthless face" is a descriptive term used to portray a lack of compassion or unwavering determination through someone's facial expression. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although its frequency is relatively uncommon. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, it serves to convey strong impressions of characters and their intentions. To create a more impactful image of the characters, it's advisable to focus on showing specific actions that contribute to the impression of a ruthless face instead of simply saying they have one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merciless visage

Replaces "face" with "visage" for a slightly more formal or literary tone, emphasizing the overall appearance.

cold countenance

Substitutes "ruthless" with "cold" and "face" with "countenance", highlighting the lack of warmth or emotion.

unfeeling expression

Replaces the entire phrase with a more descriptive term emphasizing the absence of feeling.

grim expression

Highlights a stern and forbidding facial appearance, suggesting determination and severity.

hardened features

Focuses on the physical aspects of the face, indicating a resilience and lack of softness.

implacable look

Shifts from the face itself to the gaze, emphasizing a resolute and unyielding stare.

determined expression

Focuses on the resolute nature conveyed by the face, omitting the negative connotation of "ruthless".

severe aspect

Uses "aspect" to describe the overall appearance, implying strictness and lack of leniency.

pitiless gaze

Like "implacable look", this emphasizes the eyes and suggests a lack of mercy.

callous facade

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of the face, suggesting a hidden lack of feeling.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe someone as having a "ruthless face"?

Describing someone as having a "ruthless face" suggests that their facial expression conveys a lack of compassion or mercy, often indicating determination or aggression.

What are some synonyms for "ruthless face"?

Alternatives include "merciless visage", "cold countenance", or "unfeeling expression", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say someone has a "ruthless face"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is a common and acceptable way to describe someone's facial expression.

How can I effectively use the phrase "ruthless face" in my writing?

Use it sparingly to emphasize a character's coldness or determination. Show, don't tell, by describing specific features or actions that contribute to the overall impression of a "ruthless face".