ruthful

adjective

ruth·​ful ˈrüth-fəl How to pronounce ruthful (audio)
Synonyms of ruthfulnext
1
: full of ruth : tender
2
: full of sorrow : woeful
3
: causing sorrow
ruthfully
ˈrüth-fə-lē How to pronounce ruthful (audio)
adverb
ruthfulness noun

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reuþful, routhful "pitiable, sad, compassionate," from rewþe, rowthe "pity, compassion, ruth" + -ful -ful entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ruthful was in the 13th century

Rhymes for ruthful

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Browse Nearby Words

Rutherglen bug
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Cite this Entry

“Ruthful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruthful. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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