unrelenting

adjective

un·​re·​lent·​ing ˌən-ri-ˈlen-tiŋ 

1

: not softening or yielding in determination : hard, stern

an unrelenting leader

2

: not letting up or weakening in vigor or pace : constant

the unrelenting struggle

unrelentingly

ˌən-ri-ˈlen-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• adamant
• adamantine
• bullheaded
• dogged
• hard
• hard-nosed
• hardened
• hardheaded
• headstrong
• immovable
• implacable
• inconvincible
• inflexible
• intransigent
• mulish
• obdurate
• obstinate
• opinionated
• ossified
• pat
• pertinacious
• perverse
• pigheaded
• self-opinionated
• self-willed
• stiff-necked
• stubborn
• unbending
• uncompromising
• unyielding
• willful
• wilful

Examples of unrelenting in a Sentence

that professor tends to be unrelenting about deadlines

unrelenting in the pursuit of equality for all races

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite the lack of bombast, The Alters tells a compelling and heartfelt narrative, with some goofier moments to break up the unrelenting drama. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 June 2025

And it’s not just being criticized—they are subjected to violent misogyny, unrelenting hate, and in the case of Munn, even death threats. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 13 June 2025

Through three Finals games, seven Pacers are averaging double-figure scoring, which is both totally loopy and the platonic ideal of this unrelenting group. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 13 June 2025

Institutions are groaning under the stress of unrelenting pressure to adapt. —Robert B. Tucker, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unrelenting

• circumventing
• complementing
• complimenting
• implementing
• orienting
• reinventing
• representing
• assenting
• augmenting
• cementing
• consenting
• contenting

Kids Definition

unrelenting

adjective

un·​re·​lent·​ing ˌən-ri-ˈlent-iŋ 

1

: not softening or giving in easily : hard, stern

2

: not letting up or weakening in energy or pace

our unrelenting struggle for freedom

unrelentingly adverb