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

But these same systems weren't designed for the constant, unrelenting stress of modern life. —Lauryn Higgins, Time, 24 June 2025

This is the time for peace through strength, backed by American resolve and unrelenting firepower. —Kristen Waggoner, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025

After incessant nose bleeds, unrelenting fever, and debilitating pain and fatigue, Joey is diagnosed with leprosy, now known as Hansen’s Disease. —Oc Register, 20 June 2025

Nerve is courage, clarity, speed, transparency and an unrelenting bias for action. —Suzy Welch, CNBC, 17 June 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