Word
unyielding
Phoneticsun·yield·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈjiɫdɪŋ/
UK/ʌnjˈiːldɪŋ/
Definition
adj. not willing to change what you think or do, even under strong pressure. You use it for people, rules, or beliefs that stay firm.
adj. unwilling to give way to pressure, persuasion, or force; firm and inflexible in purpose or position. Often describes resolve, principles, or resistance that remains constant over time.
Examples
“She stays unyielding when friends push her to change plans.”
“The manager remains unyielding on safety rules despite complaints about delays.”
“Despite months of negotiation and mounting public pressure, the committee stayed unyielding in its defence of the historic building.”
Examples
simple
“She stays unyielding when friends push her to change plans.”
contextual
“The manager remains unyielding on safety rules despite complaints about delays.”
complex
“Despite months of negotiation and mounting public pressure, the committee stayed unyielding in its defence of the historic building.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unyielding” in context.
Verb
01. prove unyielding
“The committee proved unyielding when asked to reconsider its decision.”
verb + adj
02. remain unyielding
“Despite public protests, the government remained unyielding on immigration policy.”
verb + adj
03. stay unyielding
“She stayed unyielding in her belief that reform was necessary.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. completely unyielding
“Her parents were completely unyielding on the question of studying abroad.”
adv + adj
05. fiercely unyielding
“The union leader was fiercely unyielding during the wage negotiations.”
adv + adj
06. stubbornly unyielding
“He was stubbornly unyielding, refusing to compromise on any detail.”
adv + adj
07. face unyielding opposition over
“The proposal faced unyielding opposition over funding cuts.”
08. maintain an unyielding stance
“The government maintains an unyielding stance on border security.”
09. remain unyielding under pressure
“Good leaders remain unyielding under pressure without losing empathy.”
10. remain utterly unyielding
“The dictator remained utterly unyielding until the final days of the regime.”
11. show unyielding determination to
“She showed unyielding determination to complete her doctorate.”
12. take an unyielding stand on
“The party took an unyielding stand on climate legislation.”
Usage
Typically used before a noun or after linking verbs such as 'be', 'remain', or 'stay'.
Real-World Examples
“Photograph: Funselektor Labs If you like the look of extreme off-road driving sims such as MudRunner, but are put off by their unyielding difficulty level, Over the Hill is definitely for you.” “If the crosspiece were as taut and unyielding as he was at that moment, a single stroke of the plectrum would break it.” Etymology
From un- + yielding.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
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/unyielding