remorseless - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
remorseless Word Meanings
- without regret or guilt
- cruelly or mercilessly
- in a way that lacks compassion
remorseless Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
remorseless Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/rɪˈmɔːsləs/
US
/rɪˈmɔrslɪs/
remorseless Word Etymology
(remorse + less) – The word 'remorse' comes from Latin 'remorsus', meaning 'biting back'. The prefix 'less' denotes absence. Visualize a stone-hearted figure, moving through life without a trace of guilt or compassion, like a serpent shedding its skin, leaving behind empathy.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Remorseless describes someone or something that acts without regret, pity, or compassion. It can refer to a person who refuses to feel guilt for harmful acts, a decision made with cold calculation, or a machine like force that continues relentlessly. In everyday speech, it often modifies nouns or comes after verbs in literary phrases, as in the remorseless march of time or a remorseless prosecutor. The term carries moral weight, implying a lack of softness or humanity rather than mere strictness. Learners should distinguish remorseless from merciless, which implies cruelty toward others, and from relentless, which emphasizes persistence rather than moral absence. Common collocations include remorselessly and remorselessness.
Usage Reminders
- Remorseless is an adjective; use remorseless to describe a person or action, and remorselessly to describe the action.
- Do not imply a natural tendency; it is about moral absence rather than strictness.
- Pair with nouns like remorseless cruelty or remorseless pace.
- Be aware of the connotation; it can sound formal or bleak.
- Common collocations include remorselessly, remorselessness.
Common Misconceptions
- Remorseless means always violent or cruel toward others
- It describes only emotions, not actions
- Remorseless and merciless are interchangeable
- Remorseless applies to people only, not systems or ideas
- The word always implies punishment or vengeance
Thinking Differences
English speakers tend to separate moral judgment from forceful action; learners should note that remorseless blends moral absence with decisive action, not just toughness.
Learning Tips
- Memorize common collocations: remorseless pace, remorseless cruelty, remorselessly.
- Distinguish moral absence from mere strictness.
- Practice with literary and journalistic samples.
- Use in sentences that convey a bleak tone.
- Pair with verbs of action to emphasize intensity.
- Check subtle differences with merciless and relentless.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'remorseless' mean?
A.Feeling sorry for one's actions
B.Showing no mercy or pity
C.Being overly emotional
D.Having a sense of justice
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'remorseless' correctly?
A.The remorseless child cried after breaking the vase.
B.He remorselessly gave a heartfelt apology.
C.Her remorseless behavior shocked everyone after the accident.
D.The remorseless puppy wagged its tail happily.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'remorseless'?
A.Sympathetic
B.Compassionate
C.Unfeeling
D.Tender
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'remorseless'?
A.Indifferent
B.Compassionate
C.Ruthless
D.Harsh
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might be described as 'remorseless'?
A.A friend apologizing for a mistake they made.
B.A student who regrets not studying for a test.
C.A judge sentencing a criminal without regard for their personal story.
D.A parent comforting their upset child.
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App