uncompromising
Americanadjective
-
not admitting of compromise or adjustment of differences; making no concessions; inaccessible to flexible bargaining; unyielding.
an uncompromising attitude.
-
without reservation or exception; undeviating; absolute, as believing in or adhering to a principle, position, or the like.
an uncompromising abolitionist.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of uncompromising
First recorded in 1820–30; un- 1 + compromise ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. )
Explanation
Someone who's uncompromising stubbornly refuses to change their opinions or accommodate other people's ideas. Your mom's uncompromising prohibition on snacks in the living room may keep some friends away from your movie nights. If you're uncompromising, you don't compromise, or meet people halfway, making some concessions to what they want. Sometimes this is a sign of power and dedication: "Her uncompromising focus on civil rights helped the movement's advance." It can also be evidence of inflexibility and stubbornness: "The President's uncompromising style resulted in many vetoes and little progress."
Vocabulary lists containing uncompromising
Novel Study: Fences, Introduction and Act 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Sydney Poitier (1927–2022) Tribute List
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Lincoln's Spymaster
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Uncompromising and innovative, he devised the 12-tone method, a musical structure that broke with the traditional rules of tonality and composition.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2025
Uncompromising and raw, The Shield ended too late to be adored as a nostalgic classic but also too early to benefit from a streaming glow-up like Breaking Bad.
From The Verge • Mar. 19, 2020
Uncompromising is a good way to describe Cavaliers coach Tony Bennett’s philosophy, which was passed down by his father, longtime coach Dick Bennett.
From Washington Times • Apr. 5, 2019
Uncompromising and unconventionally gorgeous, it brought the audience to its feet.
From Washington Post • Jan. 12, 2019
Uncompromising, unsympathizing, even her gait and the set of her head and shoulders proclaimed her to be.
From Diana by Warner, Susan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
