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

• 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

But the towns and cities nearest to the nuclear plant have found themselves under relentless bombardment from Russian artillery, missiles, and combat drones. —Simon Shuster, Time, 23 Oct. 2025

Their culture and practices shaped the Southwestern part of this country, in spite of relentless attempts by white colonizers and settlers to erase them. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025

The action here moves at lightning speed with fiery explosions and relentless chaos taking over the screen via an impressive amalgamation of fluid character animation and high-octane effects. —Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025

Determined to crack the case, a relentless detective (Mark Ruffalo) closes in on the operation, raising the stakes even higher. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025

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