Intransigent
in-TRAN-suh-junt
/ɪnˈtrænsɪdʒənt/
Refusing to compromise or agree; holding an uncompromising political or ideological stance.
Used frequently in political, diplomatic, or institutional negotiations to describe someone who refuses to meet halfway.
The story behind the word. In 1870s Spain, a radical political faction called 'los intransigentes' refused to form coalitions or accept any monarchist concessions. The term soon spread across Europe to describe anyone who refuses to negotiate.
Word relationships
- uncompromising: 'Uncompromising' can be positive (sticking to principles), while 'intransigent' usually carries a negative connotation of unreasonable rigidity.
- unyielding: 'Unyielding' can refer to physical strength or resolve, whereas 'intransigent' specifically describes refusal to negotiate.
- accommodating: Accommodating means willing to adjust and meet others' needs.
- conciliatory: Conciliatory describes actions aimed at resolving conflict through goodwill and compromise.
Commonly confused with
- Recalcitrant: Intransigent means refusing to compromise; recalcitrant means defying authority or rules.
Word family
- intransigence (noun): refusal to compromise or change one's views
- intransigently (adverb): in an intransigent or uncompromising manner
Collocations
- intransigent position
- intransigent attitude
- remain intransigent
- intransigent opponent
Idioms & expressions
- refuse to budge an inch
- draw a line in the sand
Example sentences
- "The intransigent stance of both diplomats brought the peace talks to a sudden collapse." Diplomatic standoff
- "Faced with an intransigent opposition, the prime minister chose to dissolve parliament." Historical analysis
Memory hook
IN-TRANSIT-gent: A gentleman who is NOT TRANSITING (not moving) across the border to meet you halfway. No transaction, no agreement, no movement.
When not to use
Avoid using for physical objects or mild personal quirks; reserve it for serious disputes or formal negotiations.
Fun facts
- The root 'transigere' also gives us the word 'transaction'—making 'intransigent' literally mean 'incapable of transaction.'
Related words
Explore more words
intransigence, impasse, dogmatism, tenacity, truculent, entrenched
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