relentless
Americanadjective
-
(of an enemy, hostile attitude, etc) implacable; inflexible; inexorable
-
(of pace or intensity) sustained; unremitting
Synonym Usage
See inflexible.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of relentless
Explanation
Relentless is a good word for describing something that's harsh, unforgiving, and persistent, like the hot sun in the desert, or a cold that keeps you in bed for days with a nose like a strawberry. When you're relentless about something, you mean business. You're not stopping until you get what you want, and you're not taking "no" for an answer. People might try to steer you from your goal, but you have eyes only for the prize and they're just going to have to get out of your way. If you're a relentless student, for instance, you might stay up all night studying your vocabulary, just in case there might be a quiz in the morning.
Vocabulary lists containing relentless
The Giver
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A Long Walk to Water
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Power Suffix: -less
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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.
Luckin’s rise has reshaped the industry by normalizing extremely cheap coffee through app-driven discounts and relentless promotions.
From Barron's • May 26, 2026
The new Welsh government said its recently-appointed cabinet would be "setting out their priorities shortly" and would "have a relentless focus on doing what's best for Wales".
From BBC • May 25, 2026
“We have a relentless pursuit to stay in compliance.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
The combination of the positive news on the industrial dispute and the relentless demand for high-end semiconductor chips led to an 8% rally in Samsung, the second-biggest company in Asia behind Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.
From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026
The hulking figure slashed down wide swaths of alfalfa at a relentless pace, both scythes hissing and chiming without pause.
From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull
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.
