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.
The reason the “madman theory” worked for Richard Nixon, if it did, was that world leaders knew he wasn’t crazy but might be tripped into extreme behavior by an adversary’s intransigence.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 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
For the public agencies involved, the resistance represents an intransigence that belies the assistance and leniency they’ve offered to Flores and fellow protesters who call their group “Reclaiming Our Homes.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2025
Fed up with the Housing Authority’s intransigence, leading 150 protesters, Ann took over a meeting between the city council and representatives of the DHA.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
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.
