utterly ruthless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly ruthless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is completely merciless or lacking compassion. Example: "The business world can be utterly ruthless, where only the strongest survive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"He's utterly ruthless," Lawrence Wilkerson said.

The New Yorker

They were utterly ruthless in the shootout.

The Guardian - Sport

Richard could honour his noble Muslim opponents but be utterly ruthless to lowborn captives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You have to be utterly ruthless but you will be glad you did it.

The Guardian - Books

He is bloodless, nerveless and utterly ruthless, like Nick Faldo in his pomp.

The Guardian - Sport

For instance, utterly ruthless counterintelligence against corruption, or horrendous evils like paedophilia.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Be absolutely ruthless.

WikiHow

Tom Watson, a British lawmaker who has been prominent in parliamentary investigations of phone hacking, said Monday that the revelation "shows an utterly relentless and ruthless organization" that would "stop at nothing".

The New York Times

Ruthless, charmless, utterly without principle, her Gwen Harrison is a complete and utter ogress.

The Guardian - Film

Douglas is ruthless and utterly riveting in his hard-charging breakthrough role.

Huffington Post

There is nominally a plot, which involves Larry's quest for world capacitor domination and his billionaire client's inexplicable and very unrequited passion for the Cursing Mommy herself, a pursuit that echoes Wile E. Coyote's of Road Runner — ruthless, relentless and utterly hopeless.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly ruthless" when you want to emphasize the complete lack of compassion or mercy in a person's actions or character. Ensure the context supports this strong level of condemnation.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly ruthless" in contexts that don't warrant such a strong term. Using it to describe minor inconveniences or disagreements dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly ruthless" functions as a compound adjective. It modifies nouns, adding emphasis to the quality of being without pity or compassion. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly ruthless" is a frequently used and grammatically sound expression, primarily functioning as a compound adjective to describe a complete lack of compassion or mercy. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is "correct" and is "usable in written English", appearing most commonly in News & Media. While it can be adapted to various contexts, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "completely merciless" or "totally heartless" offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely merciless

Emphasizes the absence of mercy, focusing on the act of showing compassion.

totally heartless

Highlights the lack of empathy or emotional consideration.

absolutely unforgiving

Stresses the unwillingness to pardon or excuse offenses.

entirely callous

Focuses on the indifference to the suffering of others.

thoroughly brutal

Emphasizes the harsh and violent nature of actions.

perfectly unyielding

Highlights the inflexibility and determination of an entity.

quite unrelenting

Focuses on the continuous and persistent nature of the action.

genuinely pitiless

Emphasizes the absence of pity or compassion.

unreservedly cruel

Highlights the unrestrained nature of cruelty.

incredibly savage

Stresses the wild and untamed nature of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "utterly ruthless" to describe someone or something lacking compassion. For example, "The corporation was "utterly ruthless" in its pursuit of profits."

What are some alternatives to "utterly ruthless"?

Alternatives include "completely merciless", "totally heartless", or "absolutely unforgiving". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "entirely ruthless" instead of "utterly ruthless"?

Yes, "entirely ruthless" is a valid alternative to "utterly ruthless". Both convey a similar meaning of being completely without compassion.

What is the difference between "utterly ruthless" and "utterly cruel"?

"Utterly ruthless" implies a lack of compassion or consideration, often in the pursuit of a goal. "Utterly cruel" focuses more directly on the infliction of suffering. While related, "utterly cruel" emphasizes the act of causing pain, while "utterly ruthless" may not always involve direct cruelty, but rather a cold indifference.