ruthless indifference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ruthless indifference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complete lack of concern or compassion in a situation, often in a negative context. Example: "The company's ruthless indifference to employee welfare led to a high turnover rate and low morale among staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But such thinking reflects a ruthless indifference to local realities.

The New York Times - Arts

Tom objects to his mentor's ruthless indifference to human life, which strikes the older man as evidence of fatal naïveté.

The New York Times

In some ways his appearance offered a marked contrast to that of the figure in dark, police-style clothing who carried out the attacks on July 22 , 2011 with ruthless indifference to the mayhem around him.

The New York Times

There's nothing arch or artificial about Hu's drastic distensions of cinematic time; his volatile silences and wild outbursts unflinchingly reveal the raw survivalism, feral aggression, selfish depravity, and poisonous rage of a society abused by brute force and ruthless indifference and yielding to despair.

The New Yorker

Or even to continue this poetic back of increasingly ruthless indifference to reality.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The Soviet leader pursued his own imperial agenda for Eastern Europe with ruthless single-mindedness, exploiting Roosevelt's obvious indifference to, for instance, the fate of Poland.

Independent

Great handicappers have a way with metrics, patterns, angles, and trends, and also have sufficient indifference regarding the competitors to evaluate information with ruthless dispassion.

The New Yorker

Mathematics is pure language--the language of science There are 2 simple & ruthless ethical standards by which the purity of this discipline can be determined 1st, that there is an institutionalized indifference to men whose work has been completed.

The New Yorker

By Alfred Adler The New Yorker, February 19 , 1972P. 39 Mathematics is pure language--the language of science There are 2 simple & ruthless ethical standards by which the purity of this discipline can be determined 1st, that there is an institutionalized indifference to men whose work has been completed.

The New Yorker

"Indifference does".

The New York Times

It is indifference.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ruthless indifference", ensure the context clearly demonstrates a deliberate lack of concern or empathy. This phrase is most impactful when highlighting a conscious decision to ignore the suffering or needs of others.

Common error

Avoid using "ruthless indifference" in situations where simple oversight or unintentional neglect is present. This phrase carries a strong negative connotation and should be reserved for scenarios involving deliberate and severe disregard.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ruthless indifference" functions as a noun phrase, where "ruthless" modifies the noun "indifference". It describes a specific type of indifference characterized by a lack of compassion or pity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ruthless indifference" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a severe lack of compassion or concern, according to Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and its primary purpose is to criticize or condemn. While not very common in everyday speech, it's suitable for formal or analytical writing. The phrase frequently appears in news and media contexts. When using it, ensure it's reserved for situations involving a deliberate and harsh disregard, not simple neglect. Alternatives like "callous disregard" or "heartless apathy" offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

callous disregard

Focuses on the uncaring nature of the disregard.

heartless apathy

Highlights the lack of emotion or feeling.

cruel unconcern

Emphasizes the active cruelty in the lack of concern.

brutal disregard

Stresses the harshness of the lack of attention or care.

merciless neglect

Implies a lack of pity or compassion in the neglect.

unfeeling detachment

Highlights the lack of emotional involvement or connection.

inhuman callousness

Emphasizes the lack of human empathy or compassion.

cold-blooded disregard

Implies a calculated and unemotional lack of concern.

severe lack of empathy

Directly addresses the absence of understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

complete lack of compassion

Emphasizes the total absence of sympathy and concern for others.

FAQs

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

You can use "ruthless indifference" to describe someone's lack of care or compassion towards others. For example: "The company showed "ruthless indifference" to the environmental impact of its operations."

What is a good alternative to "ruthless indifference"?

Alternatives include "callous disregard", "heartless apathy", or "cruel unconcern", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of the lack of empathy.

What distinguishes "ruthless indifference" from simple indifference?

"Ruthless indifference" implies not just a lack of interest or concern, but a deliberate and harsh disregard for the consequences or suffering of others. It suggests a conscious decision to be unfeeling, unlike simple "indifference" which may be passive.

Is "ruthless indifference" a common phrase in everyday conversation?

While grammatically sound, "ruthless indifference" isn't a very common phrase in everyday conversation. It tends to appear more frequently in formal writing, news reports, or analytical contexts where a strong, negative descriptor is needed.