English Reference
Adjective

uncompromising

adj.
C1 Advanced US /ənˈkɑmpɹəmaɪzɪŋ/ UK /ʌnkˈɒmpɹəmˌaɪzɪŋ/ un·com·pro·mis·ing

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.


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'.

At times, it could do with some breathing room to allow for Kaye’s witty lyricism and uncompromising punchlines to land.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026

But for those of us who delight in the uncompromising quality of free jazz, Is Beauty Good is its literary equivalent.

The Guardian· 10 Aug 2026

From un- + compromising.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated