uncompromising

American  

[uhn-kom-pruh-mahy-zing] / ʌnˈkɒm prəˌmaɪ zɪŋ /

adjective

1. not admitting of compromise or adjustment of differences; making no concessions; inaccessible to flexible bargaining; unyielding.

   an uncompromising attitude.

   Synonyms:

   obstinate, rigid

2. without reservation or exception; undeviating; absolute, as believing in or adhering to a principle, position, or the like.

   an uncompromising abolitionist.

   Synonyms:

   steadfast, firm

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uncompromising British  

/ ʌnˈkɒmprəˌmaɪzɪŋ /

adjective

1. not prepared to give ground or to compromise

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Other Word Forms

• uncompromisingly adverb
• uncompromisingness noun

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."

Example Sentences

Its social contract is built on uncompromising moral standards, an emphasis on resolute social justice, and, of course, a distaste for those who fail to properly share those values.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

Last month, she replaced longtime Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López with an officer known for his uncompromising stance, former counterintelligence chief Gustavo González.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Paul Thomas Anderson is on everyone’s list as one of our greatest working directors, whether you prefer his shaggy ensemble comedies or his uncompromising epics.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

The uncompromising approach of the world's self-described "coolest dictator" has apparently caused little outrage in a region throttled by organized crime.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

She had the uncompromising look of a former dancer, “or a Latin teacher at Swanburne,” Penelope thought, suppressing a smile.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• determined
• hard-line
• inflexible
• intransigent
• obstinate
• relentless
• resolute
• rigid
• single-minded
• steadfast