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

After years of cruel dismissal from his grandfather, Kang Seung-woon (Jung Jin-young), and relentless pressure from his mother, Kang Ji-hye (Yoon Se-ah), Pi-o doubts his talent. — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

In a time defined by AI acceleration, expanding cybersecurity risks and relentless pressure to grow, organizations can no longer afford leadership models that diffuse responsibility when outcomes fall short. — Guy Yehiav, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

But Atlanta outscored New York 32-15 in the third quarter, seizing control with relentless defensive pressure. — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

The longer the song goes on, the more the relentless pulse of the drums starts to seem indifferent and mechanical, an actual machine with no awareness of human life, while the drones grow longer and feel more and more like deep sighs. — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 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