unbending

[uhn-ben-ding]

adjective

1. not bending or curving; inflexible; rigid.

2. refusing to yield or compromise; resolute.

3. austere or formal; aloof.

unbending

/ ʌnˈbɛndɪŋ /

adjective

1. rigid or inflexible

2. characterized by sternness or severity

   an unbending rule

Other Word Forms

• unbendingly adverb
• unbendingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unbending¹

First recorded in 1545–55; un- ¹ + bend ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

It was Wayne — America’s biggest movie star, the self-reliant enforcer, the loping lawman who set the world to rights by virtue of his unbending fortitude.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In his one shot at the Champions League, Postecoglou was unbending in his attacking mindset even when drawn against Real Madrid.

Read more on BBC

An ironic observer with an unbending will, he prefers the quiet freedom of his own thoughts to the aggressive clamor of those around him who mistakenly believe they can control how he thinks.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It reminded him that pure, unbending clarity of purpose existed, just not in himself.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But the most credible thing to do was ignored by the majority: follow the “textualist” philosophy these justices claim as their unbending guide.

Read more on Salon