Word
uncompromising
Phoneticsun·com·pro·mis·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈkɑmpɹəmaɪzɪŋ/
UK/ʌnkˈɒmpɹəmˌaɪzɪŋ/
Definition
adj. unwilling to change your ideas or behavior, even if people disagree with you. It describes someone who stays very firm about what they believe is right.
adj. unwilling to grant concessions or reach a middle ground; showing an inflexible adherence to a standard or principle. Often carries a positive connotation of integrity or a negative one of stubbornness depending on context.
Examples
“She is uncompromising when it comes to the quality of her work.”
“The director's uncompromising vision for the film meant he refused to cut any scenes for the studio.”
“His uncompromising stance on environmental regulations earned him respect from activists but made him a difficult partner for industrial leaders seeking a more gradual transition.”
Examples
simple
“She is uncompromising when it comes to the quality of her work.”
contextual
“The director's uncompromising vision for the film meant he refused to cut any scenes for the studio.”
complex
“His uncompromising stance on environmental regulations earned him respect from activists but made him a difficult partner for industrial leaders seeking a more gradual transition.”
Usage
Can be used both attributively before a noun and predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'remain', or 'seem'.
Real-World Examples
“At times, it could do with some breathing room to allow for Kaye’s witty lyricism and uncompromising punchlines to land.” “But for those of us who delight in the uncompromising quality of free jazz, Is Beauty Good is its literary equivalent.” Etymology
From un- + compromising.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/uncompromising