heartless

adjective

heart·​less ˈhärt-ləs How to pronounce heartless (audio)
1
archaic : spiritless
2
: lacking feeling : cruel
heartlessly adverb
heartlessness noun

Examples of heartless in a Sentence

a heartless boss who would fire people for missing work, even if they were sick as a dog a heartless enemy that takes no prisoners
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Since then, the poster has been inundated with calls and messages accusing him of being heartless—including from her family. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 Many of my family members are still upset with me even as far as calling me cruel and heartless. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025 The husband suggested her friend should help with the bill, and the wife retaliated by calling him heartless and petty. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024 Neither Helen or Sam are heartless agents, both are dealing with respective love and loss stories, and Helen’s mission is more about revenge than obeying the law and the letter of the orders she’s being given. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for heartless

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heartless was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heartless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartless. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

heartless

adjective
heart·​less ˈhärt-ləs How to pronounce heartless (audio)
heartlessly adverb
heartlessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on heartless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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