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
Derived 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.
He spoke lamentable French in an uncompromising Yorkshire accent and concentrated on painting portraits.
From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026
Still possessor of the biggest-selling jazz record in history, “Kind of Blue,” Davis casts a huge influence over the whole music world for his uncompromising artistic vision, constant evolution, style and more.
From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026
China's government launched an "uncompromising" investigation into the explosion, vowing to severely punish those responsible, and ordered a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining activities, Xinhua said Saturday evening.
From Barron's • May 23, 2026
In retrospect, its uncompromising litmus tests and chilly demeanor were real weaknesses, creating a pervading fear that any false step could expel one from good graces, and that a return trip was always, always treacherous.
From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026
Austin reflected and helped forge the uncompromising position of most black North Carolinians toward Hodges’ plan: “The Negroes of this state will not be stampeded into such an unholy scheme,” he wrote.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
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.
