relentless

adjective

re·​lent·​less ri-ˈlent-ləs 

: showing or promising no abatement of severity, intensity, strength, or pace : unrelenting

relentless pressure

a relentless campaign

relentlessly adverb

relentlessness noun

Synonyms of relentless

• grim
• determined
• persistent
• unrelenting
• ruthless

Examples of relentless in a Sentence

Her relentless optimism held the team together.

The hunter was relentless in pursuit of his prey.

a relentless opponent of deregulation

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, the tech giant is facing a growing set of challenges, from intensifying competition to lingering concerns of an AI bubble and relentless pressure to demonstrate growth after several explosive quarters. —Rosa De Acosta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026

The horse's forlorn expression appears to have resonated with Chinese social media users, who've been bringing the plush toy to work and school to express discontent with a relentless work culture. —Emma Li, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026

Candid and heartfelt, this memoir pulls back the curtain on elite skating, family and the relentless pursuit of excellence. —Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026

But now, another polar vortex is pushing arctic air and settling over the eastern United States in what has been a relentless winter. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

relentless

adjective

re·​lent·​less ri-ˈlent-ləs 

: not lessening in severity, intensity, strength, or pace : unrelenting

relentless criticism

relentlessly adverb

relentlessness noun