incessant
in-SESS-uhnt
/ɪnˈsesnt/
Continuing without pause or interruption (usually used for something unpleasant).
Stronger than 'constant'; it implies a relentless, annoying quality.
The story behind the word. From 'in-' (not) and 'cessare' (to stop or cease). It is the direct ancestor of the word 'cease'. If something is incessant, it simply refuses to cease.
Word relationships
- relentless: Relentless implies a harsh or cruel lack of stopping; incessant just means it doesn't stop.
- unremitting: Unremitting is very formal and implies a lack of any slackening in intensity.
- intermittent: Intermittent stops and starts; incessant never stops.
- occasional: Happening only now and then.
Commonly confused with
- constant: Constant is neutral; incessant is almost always negative/annoying.
Word family
- incessant (adjective): Continuing without pause.
- incessantly (adverb): Without stopping.
Collocations
- incessant noise
- incessant chatter
- incessant rain
- incessant demands
Example sentences
- "The incessant rain turned the battlefield into a sea of thick, grey mud." A description of rain in a classic novel.
- "The incessant ticking of the clock in the silent room was enough to drive him mad." Describing an annoying sound.
Memory hook
Think of 'In-Cease-Ant': An 'Ant' that 'In' (never) 'Ceases' to crawl. Incessant won't stop.
When not to use
Do not use for positive things that continue; 'unending' or 'everlasting' are better for those.
Fun facts
- In legal terms, 'incessant' was once used to describe a debt that was continuously accruing interest.
Related words
Explore more words
unceasing, relentless, continual, continuously, continually, indefatigable
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