importunate

[ im-pawr-chuh-nit ]

adjective

1. urgent or persistent in solicitation, sometimes annoyingly so.
2. pertinacious, as solicitations or demands.
3. troublesome; annoying:

   importunate demands from the children for attention.

importunate

/ ɪmˈpɔːtjʊnɪt /

adjective

1. persistent or demanding; insistent
2. rare.
   troublesome; annoying

Derived Forms

• imˈportunately, adverb
• imˈportunateness, noun

Other Words From

• im·portu·nate·ly adverb
• im·portu·nate·ness noun
• unim·portu·nate adjective
• unim·portu·nate·ly adverb
• unim·portu·nate·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of importunate¹

1520–30; importune (adj.) + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Wordsworth has illustrated how an unwise and importunate demand for a reason from a child may drive him into invention.

From Project Gutenberg

Another rap, louder and more importunate, echoed through the large room.

From Project Gutenberg

"My men and I have a devilish importunate creditor," said he, slapping his stomach.

From Project Gutenberg

Somewhere near her feet the cricket gave out an importunate chirp.

From Project Gutenberg

The memories of that time, and of the importunate thoughts that had haunted him then, at the opening of life, returned to him now.

From Project Gutenberg