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

Derived Forms

• unˈbendingly, adverb
• unˈbendingness, noun

Other Words From

• un·bending·ly adverb
• un·bending·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unbending¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Seattle Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

“I changed some things. But I was unbending on the bar, especially since it was in the renderings, and they had shown it on social media.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

It concludes, “Beyond our pain and mourning for all of the people there and their loved ones around the world, we are motivated by an unbending will to stand for our common humanity. We stand for freedom, justice, dignity and peace for all people — and a deep desire to stop more bloodshed. We refuse to tell future generations the story of our silence, that we stood by and did nothing.”

From Los Angeles Times