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. )

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

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

To several ships, application was made, but the officers aboard all of them were unbending, and the answer came again and again, “You must row on.”

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson