Cruel vs. Ruthless: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on December 27, 2023
Cruel involves deliberate infliction of pain or suffering, whereas ruthless implies a lack of pity or compassion, often in pursuit of an objective.
Difference Between Cruel and Ruthless
Cruelty involves intentionally causing pain or harm, while ruthlessness is more about a disregard for compassion or empathy when achieving a goal.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
Cruel actions often stem from a desire to inflict pain, either physically or emotionally. Ruthless behavior, however, is driven by a single-minded pursuit of objectives, often ignoring the emotional or humane aspect.
Muazma Batool
Dec 27, 2023
Cruelty is typically associated with personal interactions and harm, whereas ruthlessness is often used in competitive or ambitious contexts, like business or politics.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
Both cruelty and ruthlessness are viewed negatively, but cruelty is often seen as morally worse due to its intentional harm, while ruthlessness can sometimes be admired for its effectiveness.
Jonathan
Dec 27, 2023
Cruel behavior often involves asserting power or control through causing pain, while ruthlessness is about achieving goals without regard for others' suffering.
Leo
Dec 27, 2023
Cruel vs. Ruthless Comparison Chart
Intent
Intentionally causing pain or harm
Focused on objectives, ignoring compassion
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Dec 27, 2023
Typical Contexts
Personal interactions, causing harm
Competitive fields like business, politics
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Ethical View
Seen as morally worse due to intentional harm
Sometimes admired for effectiveness
Henry
Dec 27, 2023
Relation to Power
Asserting control through pain
Achieving goals regardless of others
Olivia
Dec 27, 2023
Cruel vs. Ruthless Definitions
◉Cruel
Showing indifference to others' suffering.
His cruel comments about her performance hurt her deeply.
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Dec 27, 2023
◉Ruthless
Unyielding in pursuit of objectives.
The athlete's ruthless training regimen led to his success.
William
Dec 27, 2023
◉Cruel
Causing distress or pain intentionally.
The teacher's cruel punishment was criticized by parents.
Jonathan
Dec 27, 2023
◉Ruthless
Showing no pity or compassion.
The CEO's ruthless decision led to massive layoffs.
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Dec 27, 2023
◉Cruel
Enjoying others' suffering or pain.
His cruel laughter at her mistake was humiliating.
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Dec 27, 2023
◉Ruthless
Indifferent to suffering in goal attainment.
The general's ruthless strategies were effective but controversial.
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Dec 27, 2023
◉Cruel
Excessively harsh or severe.
The cruel winter left many homeless people in dire conditions.
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Dec 27, 2023
◉Ruthless
Mercilessly achieving one's goals.
He was known for his ruthless ambition in politics.
Lucas
Dec 27, 2023
◉Cruel
Deliberately causing pain or suffering.
The cruel treatment of animals in the shelter sparked outrage.
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Dec 27, 2023
◉Ruthless
Lacking sympathy or sensitivity.
Her ruthless critique of the project demoralized the team.
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Dec 27, 2023
◉Ruthless
Having no compassion or pity; merciless
ruthless cruelty.
ruthless opportunism.
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May 03, 2023
◉Ruthless
Having no ruth; cruel; pitiless.
Their rage the hostile bands restrain,All but the ruthless monarch of the main.
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May 03, 2023
◉Ruthless
without mercy or pity;
an act of ruthless ferocity
a monster of remorseless cruelty
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May 03, 2023
Cruel vs. Ruthless Frequently Asked Questions
Can cruel actions be unintentional?
Typically, cruelty involves intentionality in causing harm.
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Dec 27, 2023
Is ruthlessness always negative?
While often viewed negatively, ruthlessness can be seen as effective in certain contexts.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
How does cruelty affect personal relationships?
Cruelty can severely damage personal relationships due to its harmful nature.
Levi
Dec 27, 2023
What does cruel mean?
Cruel refers to deliberately causing pain or suffering.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
Can someone be ruthless in a positive way?
In some cases, being ruthless might be admired for achieving difficult objectives.
Leo
Dec 27, 2023
Are cruel people always ruthless?
Not necessarily; one can be cruel without being ruthless, and vice versa.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
What is the main characteristic of ruthlessness?
Ruthlessness is characterized by a lack of pity or compassion.
Muazma Batool
Dec 27, 2023
Is ruthlessness linked to ambition?
Yes, ruthlessness is often linked to a strong, sometimes excessive, ambition.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
Does cruelty involve enjoying others' pain?
Yes, cruelty can involve deriving pleasure from others' suffering.
Jonathan
Dec 27, 2023
Can ruthlessness be a strategy in business?
Yes, ruthlessness can be a strategy in competitive fields like business.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
