What does "relentless" mean?

1. (never stopping) continuing without stopping or getting weaker, often in an annoying or tiring way. 2. (strict and determined) refusing to give up or be less strict.

How do you use "relentless"?

Usually placed before the noun it describes.

relentless

adj.

US //ɹɪˈɫɛntɫɪs// UK //ɹɪlˈɛntləs// re·lent·less

1 never stopping (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

continuing without stopping or getting weaker, often in an annoying or tiring way.

unremitting and steady in pace or intensity; often used to describe sounds, weather, or pressure.

Example

The relentless noise from the construction site made it impossible to sleep.

Example

The relentless rain throughout the weekend caused significant delays in the outdoor restoration project.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun it describes.
- intermittent
- occasional
2 strict and determined (adj.)
C1 Advanced Formal

refusing to give up or be less strict.

unyielding or inflexible in purpose, severity, or determination.

Example

The team was relentless in their search for the truth.

Example

The prosecutor was relentless in his cross-examination, refusing to let the witness avoid the difficult questions.

Teacher's tip

While often negative, this can be used as a compliment for someone's work ethic or determination.
- lenient
- flexible

Origin

From relent + -less.

Word family

Adjectiverelentless
Adverbrelentlessly