relentless

[ri-lent-lis]

adjective

1. not easing or slackening; maintaining speed, vigor, etc..

   a relentless barrage of bad news.

2. unyieldingly severe, strict, or harsh.

   a relentless crackdown on human rights.

   Synonyms: unyielding, adamant, obdurate, unbending, rigid
   Antonyms: merciful

relentless

/ rɪˈlɛntlɪs /

adjective

1. (of an enemy, hostile attitude, etc) implacable; inflexible; inexorable

2. (of pace or intensity) sustained; unremitting

Other Word Forms

• relentlessness noun
• relentlessly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of relentless¹

First recorded in 1585–95; relent + -less

Synonym Study

See inflexible.

Example Sentences

"We are relentless in our pursuit to hold these offenders to account and ensure the railway network is a safe place to be for everyone."

Read more on BBC

They put relentless pressure on the fielders to be perfect.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"What was most appalling and disgusting was that they just continued to kick him while he was on the ground - it was relentless."

Read more on BBC

The duo form the backbone of the musical’s drama through the tension of Javert’s relentless quest to capture Valjean, who has broken parole and — as a reformed man — taken custody of the orphan Cosette.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"They are just a great group. A lot of people didn't believe in them early on and they just continued to stay relentless. I'm very lucky to be around these people," Murphy said.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• determined 
• dogged 
• ferocious 
• fierce 
• harsh 
• implacable 
• inexorable 
• rigorous 
• ruthless 
• single-minded 
• uncompromising 
• unforgiving 
• unrelenting 
• unstoppable 
• unyielding