relentless
ri-LENT-less
/rɪˈlɛntləs/
Oppressively constant; incessant; harsh or inflexible.
Suggests a lack of mercy or a refusal to give up, often applied to the weather or a pursuer.
The story behind the word. To 'relent' originally meant to 'become soft' or 'melt'. Therefore, 'relentless' means you refuse to soften or melt under pressure.
Word relationships
- unrelenting: These are almost perfect synonyms, though unrelenting is slightly more formal.
- lenient: Lenient means merciful or flexible; relentless means the opposite.
Commonly confused with
- tenacious: Tenacious is usually a compliment for a person; relentless can be a compliment or a criticism of a force.
Word family
- relentlessness (noun): The quality of being harsh and inflexible.
- relentlessly (adverb): In an intense and harsh way.
Collocations
- relentless pursuit
- relentless heat
- relentless pressure
Example sentences
- "The relentless sun beat down on the desert travelers without a cloud in sight." Describing the weather.
Memory hook
Relentless = No 'lent' (as in 'lenient'). No mercy. Won't soften, won't stop.
When not to use
Don't use it for gentle things; it requires a sense of intensity or harshness.
Fun facts
- In the movie 'The Terminator', the cyborg is described as 'relentless' because it absolutely will not stop until its target is dead.
Explore more words
incessant, ruthless, driven, unceasing, Pertinacious, Unyielding
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