relentless

American

[ri-lent-lis] / rɪˈlɛnt lɪs /

adjective

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

a relentless barrage of bad news.
unyieldingly severe, strict, or harsh.

a relentless crackdown on human rights.

Synonyms:

unyielding, adamant, obdurate, unbending, rigid

Antonyms:

merciful

relentless British

/ rɪˈlɛntlɪs /

adjective

(of an enemy, hostile attitude, etc) implacable; inflexible; inexorable
(of pace or intensity) sustained; unremitting

"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

Related Words

See inflexible.

Other Word Forms

relentlessly adverb
relentlessness noun

Etymology

Origin of relentless

First recorded in 1585–95; relent + -less

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 risk and reward of the back nine asks relentless questions and he failed pretty much immediately," said Wilson who was part of the 5 Live commentary team in Florida.

From BBC

“Efficiency is the name of the game and it’s relentless,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

But even those who make it abroad face immense challenges in an industry known for relentless turnover.

From Barron's

Signage for new and defunct art galleries appear with letters roasted dry by the relentless California sun until the edges of words peel away, looking like they were written in calligraphy.

From Los Angeles Times

Financial security offers freedom to push through the sport’s early years on tour, when results are uncertain and the grind is relentless.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023