unrelenting

adjective

un·​re·​lent·​ing ˌən-ri-ˈlen-tiŋ 

1

: not softening or yielding in determination : hard, stern

an unrelenting leader

2

: not letting up or weakening in vigor or pace : constant

the unrelenting struggle

unrelentingly

ˌən-ri-ˈlen-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• adamant
• adamantine
• bullheaded
• dogged
• hard
• hard-nosed
• hardened
• hardheaded
• headstrong
• immovable
• implacable
• inconvincible
• inflexible
• intransigent
• mulish
• obdurate
• obstinate
• opinionated
• ossified
• pat
• pertinacious
• perverse
• pigheaded
• self-opinionated
• self-willed
• stiff-necked
• stubborn
• unbending
• uncompromising
• unyielding
• willful
• wilful

Examples of unrelenting in a Sentence

that professor tends to be unrelenting about deadlines

unrelenting in the pursuit of equality for all races

Recent Examples on the Web

The bold vision to develop a vaccine, followed by an unrelenting commitment to a polio-free world, reflect the best of the American spirit. —Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

This unrelenting flow, which results from inadequate treatment in Mexico, ends up in California via ocean plumes and the Tijuana River Watershed. —Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024

Supporters say imposing new penalties on enablers of the supply is justified, given the unrelenting stakes. —Sarah Matusek, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Dec. 2024

The ongoing violence highlights the unrelenting civilian suffering in Gaza and across the region, with no clear end in sight. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

unrelenting

adjective

un·​re·​lent·​ing ˌən-ri-ˈlent-iŋ 

1

: not softening or giving in easily : hard, stern

2

: not letting up or weakening in energy or pace

our unrelenting struggle for freedom

unrelentingly adverb