unbending
Americanadjective
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not bending or curving; inflexible; rigid.
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refusing to yield or compromise; resolute.
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austere or formal; aloof.
adjective
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rigid or inflexible
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characterized by sternness or severity
an unbending rule
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unbending
First recorded in 1545–55; un- 1 + bend 1 ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. )
Explanation
Something that's unbending is strict or inflexible, like an unbending rule in your grandparents' house that everyone has to take their shoes off, no matter what. When people are described as being unbending, they're typically inflexible about rules or behavior. Your unbending math teacher might refuse to give homework extensions and lock the door so that tardy students can't slip into class late. This adjective inspired the figurative sense of the verb unbend, to relax or become less reserved. If you tend to be unbending, your friends may encourage you to unbend a little on the weekends.
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.
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
She smiled, and her manner instead of being still and unbending as it usually was became startlingly familiar, fawning even.
From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
