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

Left to its own, Greenland will face relentless pressure from adversarial powers seeking influence through investment, infrastructure and political leverage. —Paul McCarthy, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026

In daytime, the rumbling of the steppe is subsumed by bright, relentless light. —Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026

Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, has been plunged into the worst winter energy crisis since Russia launched its full-scale invasion nearly four years ago, as relentless strikes on the country’s energy infrastructure take their toll. —Anastasiia Parafeniuk, NBC news, 23 Jan. 2026

Diane Warren’s quest for an Oscar win … relentless. —Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 23 Jan. 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