intransigence
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of intransigence
Explanation
If you refuse to compromise with your sister about whose turn it is to do the dishes, your mother might accuse you both of intransigence. Intransigence is a stubborn refusal to change your views. Inside of intransigence you see the Latin transigere which means "to come to an understanding." People who show intransigence refuse to do this. Nations are often accused of intransigence when they refuse to comply with international standards or will.
Vocabulary lists containing intransigence
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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.
Into this arena of resentment and intransigence, a new Haredi party has emerged this year, presenting itself as a break with the traditional mindset of Shas and UTJ.
From BBC ● Oct. 24, 2026
These may be moves to calm investors, but the cost is reflected in continuing Iranian intransigence.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 26, 2026
Also on Tuesday, the Saudi ambassador to Yemen Mohammed AlJabir said the SCT had blocked a delegation from Riyadh from landing at Aden airport on Thursday, accusing the group of "intransigence".
From Barron's ● Jan. 2, 2026
“Although it is regrettable that the extraordinary measure of forcing the sale of Minaj’s dwelling is required, that result is entirely the product of her intransigence in not making payment,” they stated.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 1, 2025
The dream receded and left him there, in his bed, alone—stranded in the merciless intransigence of reality, and it was as bleak a truth to his soul as the nothingness of the Elmuthaleth.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
