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.
In a crew racked by the machinations of the heartless Solène, Anthony’s genuine regret and disappointment are a balm. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 22 July 2025 The thought of an athletic governing board geofencing the life of these athletes rather than encourage access to all opportunities is heartless. Selika Josiah Talbott, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 Cops are still hunting for the heartless moped rider. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 9 July 2025 An 18-year-old woman was fighting for her life after being thrown off the back of a moped during a Bronx crash early Saturday — a crash her heartless moped driver raced away from, cops said. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Heartless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartless. Accessed 29 Jul. 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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