冷酷 (れいこく, reikoku) Japanese meaning: cruel | KotomoraHe made a ruthless decision.
Hurt people with a coldhearted attitude.
Usage patterns
〈人〉に冷酷だto be cruel/merciless toward someone
He was cruel to his subordinates.
冷酷な仕打ちa cruel/heartless treatment of someone
She received cruel treatment.
冷酷な決断を下すto make a ruthless decision
The president made a ruthless decision.