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Synonyms

unrelenting

American  
[uhn-ri-len-ting] / ˌʌn rɪˈlɛn tɪŋ /

adjective

  1. not relenting; not yielding or swerving in determination or resolution, as of or from opinions, convictions, ambitions, ideals, etc.; inflexible.

    an unrelenting opponent of the Equal Rights Amendment.

    Synonyms:
    remorseless, cruel, pitiless, ruthless, unmerciful, merciless, relentless
  2. not easing or slackening in severity.

    an unrelenting rain.

    Synonyms:
    inexorable, implacable, unremitting
  3. maintaining speed, effort, vigor, intensity, rate of advance, etc..

    an unrelenting attack.


unrelenting British  
/ ˌʌnrɪˈlɛntɪŋ /

adjective

  1. refusing to relent or take pity; relentless; merciless

  2. not diminishing in determination, speed, effort, force, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of unrelenting

First recorded in 1580–90; un- 1 + relent + -ing 2

Explanation

Unrelenting is an adjective that describes someone or something that is not willing to give up, like a person who tries fifty different types of ice cream in pursuit of the perfect flavor. The word unrelenting usually describes a person who is stubborn and persistent in his efforts. An unrelenting person may also be unforgiving, such as a judge who will give the harshest sentence regardless of the sob story that the person on trial tells her. Unrelenting can also refer to non-human actions, like the unrelenting wind that finally led to a cancellation of your outdoor sailing competition or the unrelenting noise of the party that kept you awake all night.

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Vocabulary lists containing unrelenting

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.

Unrelenting second-half pressure brought several promising moments, with Ben Waine a fraction away from sliding in Mikel Miller's inviting cross.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2024

Unrelenting demand thus not only kept pace with prices, it increased them.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 28, 2023

Unrelenting efforts to make health care more accessible and public schools stronger.

From Washington Times • Jan. 9, 2021

Unrelenting, for sure, and somehow these are the shows where I always find myself wishing the character could get one whole episode to just calm down.

From Washington Post • Nov. 24, 2020

Yet there's just time to float In the water-butt his boat Made of cork and spent matches: So, at the last he snatches Great adventure from the dread Unrelenting jaws of Bed.

From Mice & Other Poems by Bullett, Gerald