uncompromising
Americanadjective
-
not admitting of compromise or adjustment of differences; making no concessions; inaccessible to flexible bargaining; unyielding.
an uncompromising attitude.
-
without reservation or exception; undeviating; absolute, as believing in or adhering to a principle, position, or the like.
an uncompromising abolitionist.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of uncompromising
First recorded in 1820–30; un- 1 + compromise ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. )
Explanation
Someone who's uncompromising stubbornly refuses to change their opinions or accommodate other people's ideas. Your mom's uncompromising prohibition on snacks in the living room may keep some friends away from your movie nights. If you're uncompromising, you don't compromise, or meet people halfway, making some concessions to what they want. Sometimes this is a sign of power and dedication: "Her uncompromising focus on civil rights helped the movement's advance." It can also be evidence of inflexibility and stubbornness: "The President's uncompromising style resulted in many vetoes and little progress."
Vocabulary lists containing uncompromising
Novel Study: Fences, Introduction and Act 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Sydney Poitier (1927–2022) Tribute List
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Lincoln's Spymaster
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Nenna’s starchy, uncompromising husband has left her and taken a room in faraway North London.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026
"The State Council's accident investigation team will conduct a rigorous and uncompromising investigation," Xinhua said.
From Barron's ● May 23, 2026
Do you see that uncompromising attitude coming from watching people do that as a kid?
From Los Angeles Times ● May 18, 2026
"Her success rested on a careful balance: projecting herself as both an uncompromising street fighter and an austere, maternal figure delivering welfare to those living with economic insecurity," says Proma Raychaudhury of Krea University.
From BBC ● May 5, 2026
The report issued by the committee following the October meeting was as uncompromising a brief against the Super as any that would emerge from a government panel.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
Definitions 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.
