incessant

[ in-ses-uhnt ]

adjective

1. continuing without interruption; unending; ceaseless:

   an incessant noise.

   Synonyms: unremitting, unrelenting, eternal, perpetual, never-ending, continuous, constant, unceasing

   Antonyms: intermittent

incessant

/ ɪnˈsɛsənt /

adjective

1. not ceasing; continual

Derived Forms

• inˈcessantly, adverb
• inˈcessancy, noun

Other Word Forms

• in·ces·san·cy in·ces·sant·ness noun
• in·ces·sant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of incessant¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English incessaunte, from Late Latin incessant-, equivalent to Latin in- negative prefix + cessant- (stem of cessāns ), present participle of cessāre “to stop work”; in- ³, cease, -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of incessant¹

C16: from Late Latin incessāns, from Latin in- ¹+ cessāre to cease

Example Sentences

Getting a leg up in life — or just being financially comfortable — is an increasingly difficult solace to attain, blocked by tax breaks for the rich, incessant bills and unaffordable housing.

From Salon

If Alex has a bit more credibility, not being as intractable in her positions, both have a tendency to come off as disagreeable in their incessant bickering and self-righteousness.

From Los Angeles Times

The two parties’ incessant need to fight about cultural issues has come at the expense of focusing on economic mobility.

From Los Angeles Times

"After pretty much two years out of the game he has come back this year for Bordeaux and been just incessant in the way he plays the game," Beattie said.

From BBC

“Lively set out to destroy Plaintiffs’ livelihoods and businesses if they did not bend to her incessant demands,” the complaint alleges.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ceaseless
• constant
• continual
• continuous
• endless
• interminable
• nonstop
• perpetual
• relentless
• round-the-clock
• unceasing
• unending
• unrelenting
• unremitting