ruthfulness means the state or condition of being ruthful; sorrowfulness; contrition. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 83 out of 100.
Why “ruthfulness” is a great word
RUTHFULNESS — [Noun] The state or condition of being ruthful, encompassing both sorrowful contrition and merciful pity. From Middle English *reowthfulnesse*, equivalent to ruthful (from Middle English reowthe, meaning "sorrow, pity") + the noun-forming suffix -ness. Unlike "remorse," a sharp, inward pain for one's own misdeeds, or "mercy," a compassionate action taken from a position of power, ruthfulness is the quiet, foundational state of sorrowful pity from which both might spring. It is the pang in the chest at a stranger's public grief, the heavy stillness after a cruel word has escaped you, and the softening of a gaze upon a vanquished foe—the raw human substrate from which both accountability and grace are painfully forged.
noun
- The state or condition of being ruthful; sorrowfulness; contrition.
- Mercifulness; pity.