Unyielding
un-YEEL-ding
/ʌnˈjiːldɪŋ/
Not giving way to pressure; rigid, solid, and firm in purpose or structure.
Can describe both physical hard surfaces and human character or determination.
The story behind the word. Formed from Old English roots. 'Yield' originally meant to pay taxes or produce crops (give forth). Thus, 'unyielding' literally describes something that refuses to give anything back or surrender.
Word relationships
- adamant: 'Adamant' is used specifically for human decisions and refusal to change; 'unyielding' applies to both people and physical objects.
- rigid: 'Rigid' focuses on stiffness and inability to bend; 'unyielding' focuses on resisting external pressure.
- flexible: Flexible means capable of bending easily without breaking.
- yielding: Yielding means giving way under pressure or compliant.
Commonly confused with
- Tenacious: Tenacious means clinging actively to a goal; unyielding means resisting external forces or pressure without breaking.
Word family
- unyieldingly (adverb): in an unyielding, firm manner
Collocations
- unyielding pressure
- unyielding spirit
- unyielding resolve
- unyielding surface
Idioms & expressions
- stand like a rock
- bend but not break (antonymic)
Example sentences
- "The hikers slept poorly on the unyielding surface of the granite bedrock." Physical description
- "Her unyielding commitment to human rights earned her respect across the globe." Moral character
Memory hook
UN-YIELDING: It refuses to YIELD (stop/surrender) at the traffic sign of life! Refusing to bend or surrender.
When not to use
Rarely inappropriate, though in casual contexts 'stubborn' or 'tough' might sound more natural.
Fun facts
- In civil engineering, 'unyielding foundations' are critical design elements for high-rise skyscrapers built in earthquake zones.
Related words
Explore more words
steadfast, dauntless, unflagging, relentless, resolute, tenacity
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