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

In retrospect, its uncompromising litmus tests and chilly demeanor were real weaknesses, creating a pervading fear that any false step could expel one from good graces, and that a return trip was always, always treacherous.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

While not an inventor, Jobs -- who died in 2011 at age 56 -- was renowned for his uncompromising drive to marry technology with design to create products that were intuitive and hassle-free.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

Judges described Adolescence's Cooper as a "natural talent", with "a performance of phenomenal skill in a demanding, uncompromising role".

From BBC • Mar. 25, 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

But he could also be uncompromising and hard on himself.

From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez

Related Words

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