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

Winter on the Northwest Alaska coast is marked by unrelenting winds. —Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 30 Jan. 2025

The big picture: For more than a week, Trump has overwhelmed his critics with an unrelenting flood of executive orders, government purges and bureaucratic maneuvering. —Erin Doherty, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025

First real rain of winter expected This weekend’s rains are mostly expected to bring a welcome respite in the last couple of weeks of almost unrelenting fire weather. —Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025

But the real terror comes from the elements, as an unrelenting winter storm traps Lark and the child inside. —Calum Marsh, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025

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