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

Among them is a simple farmer (a terrific Andrew Garfield) whose miserable, solitary life is illustrated by his relentless plowing of his fields and the three graves, marked by one large and two small crosses, that occupy his land. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

In Dana Point, relentless waves damaged several beachfront homes, destroying decks and tearing through walls. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Gordon’s relentless efforts in high pressing and other team-wide work have been outstanding, and have been complemented by no little quality on the ball. — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

But like many creatives before him (McQueen included), the relentless toil of brand building eventually began to crowd out the creativity itself. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 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