unbending

[uhn-ben-ding]

adjective

1. not bending or curving; inflexible; rigid.

2. refusing to yield or compromise; resolute.

3. austere or formal; aloof.

unbending

/ ʌnˈbɛndɪŋ /

adjective

1. rigid or inflexible

2. characterized by sternness or severity

   an unbending rule

Other Word Forms

• unbendingly adverb
• unbendingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unbending¹

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

Example Sentences

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.

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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.

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

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An ironic observer with an unbending will, he prefers the quiet freedom of his own thoughts to the aggressive clamor of those around him who mistakenly believe they can control how he thinks.

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It reminded him that pure, unbending clarity of purpose existed, just not in himself.

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