unrelenting

[ uhn-ri-len-ting ]

adjective

1. not relenting; not yielding or swerving in determination or resolution, as of or from opinions, convictions, ambitions, ideals, etc.; inflexible:

   an unrelenting opponent of the Equal Rights Amendment.

   Synonyms: remorseless, cruel, pitiless, ruthless, unmerciful, merciless, relentless

2. not easing or slackening in severity:

   an unrelenting rain.

   Synonyms: inexorable, implacable, unremitting

3. maintaining speed, effort, vigor, intensity, rate of advance, etc.:

   an unrelenting attack.

unrelenting

/ ˌʌnrɪˈlɛntɪŋ /

adjective

1. refusing to relent or take pity; relentless; merciless
2. not diminishing in determination, speed, effort, force, etc

Derived Forms

• ˌunreˈlentingness, noun
• ˌunreˈlentingly, adverb

Other Words From

• unre·lenting·ly adverb
• unre·lenting·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unrelenting¹

First recorded in 1580–90; un- ¹ + relent + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Det Ch Insp George Calder said the force had been "unrelenting" in their pursuit of those responsible for disorder that had put communities "in a state of alarm" on Bonfire Night.

From BBC

“In the face of the state government’s unrelenting interference with the ballot measure process, an extraordinary number of Florida voters stood up against a cruel and dangerous abortion ban – and we are incredibly proud to have supported the advocates on the ground who made that possible.”

From Salon

An unrelenting second-half display, during which the clinical Parkhead side added a further three goals, proves the manager's ruthless demands were worthwhile as they delivered an ominous message to their overwhelmed opposition.

From BBC

Formed around a thudding, slow drum beat, the guitars build to a fully-formed crescendo of whirling tones and unrelenting bass hooks, similar to 1992's Cut.

From BBC

They had died choking to death on mustard gas, being burned alive by flamethrowers, being crushed beneath tank treads, being stabbed by bayonets, being clubbed by rifle butts: On average, some 456 people murdered per hour, every hour, for four unrelenting years.

From Slate

Related Words

• ceaseless
• constant
• continual
• continuous
• endless
• implacable
• incessant
• inexorable
• persistent
• relentless
• ruthless
• tenacious
• unabated
• unremitting
• unwavering
• unyielding