unyielding

[uhn-yeel-ding]

adjective

1. unable to bend or be penetrated under pressure; hard.

   The unyielding metal door resisted the intruder's attempts to force it open.

2. not apt to give way under pressure; inflexible; firm.

   Despite her injuries, she maintained an unyielding determination to complete the marathon.

unyielding

/ ʌnˈjiːldɪŋ /

adjective

1. not compliant, submissive, or flexible

   his unyielding attitude

2. not pliable or soft

   a firm and unyielding surface

Other Word Forms

• unyieldingly adverb
• unyieldingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unyielding¹

un- ¹ + yielding

Example Sentences

“NASCAR embodies the very best of the American spirit through speed, precision and an unyielding pursuit of excellence,” Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Plenty expected him to fade away, but he proved to be obdurately unyielding.

From BBC

Ethan’s ability to thwart his enemies at every turn through sheer will and cunning is bested only by his unyielding compassion.

From Salon

Halle Bailey, months after welcoming her son, Halo, with rapper DDG, said she wanted to shield her baby, her family and her self from ‘that unyielding spotlight.’

From Los Angeles Times

“Dead Outlaw” is more unyielding as a musical subject than “The Band’s Visit,” which is to say it’s less emotionally accessible.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adamant 
• determined 
• hard-line 
• hard-nosed 
• immovable 
• implacable 
• inflexible 
• intractable 
• merciless 
• obstinate 
• relentless 
• rigid 
• ruthless 
• single-minded 
• staunch 
• stubborn 
• uncompromising 
• unrelenting 
• unwavering