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Relentlessness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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relentlessness

[rɪˈlɛntləsˌnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in behavior

The quality of being unyielding or unstoppable in one's actions or attitude, often characterized by persistence and determination.

Synonyms

determination, persistence, unyieldingness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
relentlessness

Used in situations that emphasize an unyielding, often harsh pursuit of a goal, often with a slightly negative or overwhelming connotation.

  • The relentlessness of the paparazzi frightened the celebrity.
  • His relentlessness in arguments drove his friends away.
persistence

Used to highlight continued effort in the face of obstacles, often perceived in a positive light but can sometimes be seen as annoying if overdone.

  • Her persistence paid off when she finally got the job.
  • Despite the rejections, his persistence in applying to different companies showed his dedication.
determination

Describes a firm, positive commitment towards achieving a goal, often bringing to mind resilience and a strong will.

  • Her determination to finish her degree was inspiring.
  • With determination, he overcame all the obstacles in his path.
unyieldingness

Refers to a rigid resistance to change or compromise, often used in a context where flexibility might be needed, giving it a somewhat negative feel.

  • The unyieldingness of her opinions made negotiations difficult.
  • His unyieldingness in the face of criticism alienated his team.

Examples of usage

  • He pursued his goals with relentlessness, never giving up despite numerous obstacles.
  • The relentlessness of her work ethic earned her the respect of her colleagues.
Context #2 | Noun

in nature

The state of being harsh, unforgiving, or unrelenting, often used to describe a situation or environment.

Synonyms

harshness, severity, unforgivingness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
relentlessness

Describes consistent, steady, and determined effort without giving up, often used in a positive way to highlight persistence.

  • Her relentlessness in pursuing her dreams inspired many.
  • The athlete's relentlessness in training paid off with a gold medal.
harshness

Implies a very strict, severe, or cruel approach, often carrying a negative connotation.

  • The teacher's harshness made the students afraid to ask questions.
  • The harshness of the winter forced many animals to hibernate early.
unforgivingness

Refers to a lack of mercy or compassion, highlighting a strict, harsh, or unyielding attitude.

  • His unforgivingness towards mistakes made his employees nervous.
  • The unforgivingness of the terrain made the journey extremely difficult.
severity

Indicates the intensity or extremity of a situation or condition, usually negative or involving strictness.

  • The severity of the punishment was questioned by many.
  • The severity of the illness requires immediate treatment.

Examples of usage

  • The relentlessness of the desert sun made it difficult to travel during the day.
  • The relentlessness of the storm pounded against the windows all night.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'relentlessness'

The word 'relentlessness' originated from the verb 'relentless,' which comes from the Old French 'relentir' meaning 'to slacken, yield' and the suffix '-less' meaning 'without.' Over time, the word has evolved to describe the quality of being unyielding, persistent, or harsh in one's actions or nature.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,306, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.