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 of unrelenting

• adamant
• stubborn
• steadfast

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

For too long immigrants, trans folks, students, and working class people of color have been forced to stand alone, bravely battling these unrelenting attacks, without adequate protection from the city or state. —Natalia Aristizabal, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026

Why, then, the unrelenting economic gloom? —David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026

Written and directed by Craig Brewer, the film is an adaptation of Greg Kohs’ 2008 documentary of the same name about tragedy and the unrelenting pursuit of the American Dream on a smaller stage. —Robert Lang, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2026

Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City yesterday, taking over one of the most unrelenting jobs in American politics with a promise to transform government on behalf of the city’s striving, struggling working class. —Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026

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