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

Ms. Washington gave me a minute to soften up and give in, because she didn’t know about my heart and its resolution, and that she was dealing with a mighty and unbending will.

From Literature

Mr. George’s departure from the Heritage board means that the institution may be less likely to heed his call to be “unbending and unflinching” in its fidelity to these principles.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was Wayne — America’s biggest movie star, the self-reliant enforcer, the loping lawman who set the world to rights by virtue of his unbending fortitude.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

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

From Seattle Times