unbending

American  

[uhn-ben-ding] / ʌnˈbɛn dɪŋ /

adjective

1. not bending or curving; inflexible; rigid.

2. refusing to yield or compromise; resolute.

3. austere or formal; aloof.

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unbending British  

/ ʌnˈbɛndɪŋ /

adjective

1. rigid or inflexible

2. characterized by sternness or severity

   an unbending rule

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Other Word Forms

• unbendingly adverb
• unbendingness noun

Etymology

Origin of unbending

First recorded in 1545–55; un- ¹ + bend ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

In his one shot at the Champions League, Postecoglou was unbending in his attacking mindset even when drawn against Real Madrid.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2024

She’s watchful, she’s contained, inhabiting the character’s resilience and giving her a core of unbending steel.

From Seattle Times • May 20, 2024

Though she loves to present like any other, round-the-way gal: at 62, she remains remarkably regal — unyielding and unbending as one of the last striking figures of a pale Fox football team these days.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2024

Religion tends to be about absolute truths and unbending principles.

From Slate • Nov. 9, 2023

The bow unbending made his thin hands yield, Take over, no muscle in them.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer