Are you that person who’s always constant and chooses what to take on a project? It’s because you are relentless in that particular project. It doesn’t matter the type of project you do; sometimes, you do it tirelessly. Learn more about “relentless definition and meanings” in this article.
“Relentless” is being “steady and persistent or unremitting.” So the word relentless is about something or someone that continues severely or extremely. Use this word to show steadiness, uninterrupted, and unstoppable acts or behavior.
When reading books, watching movies, or conversing, you are bound to come across the word “relentless.” But this word can be used in different contexts and have different meanings. In this piece, we will learn the word’s various meanings and the best way to use it in sentences.
What Is the Definition of Relentless?
“Relentless” is defined as “acting firm amid a severe, strict, or harsh circumstance.” Think of a situation, something, or someone that seems unstoppable. When referring to a person, relentless means not accepting failure.
Relentless people get agitated when it comes to work or any project they are working on. These are people who feel they have to be active doing something. They always aim to do what it entails until they succeed. Ever felt that you have to achieve your goals without excuses? That’s a state of “relentless.”
Example sentences:
- She is usually lazy; that is why most people were shocked by her relentless determination to complete the project.
- After his wife died, Smith continued his relentless search for romance.
- Matthew leads a strong resistance against the relentless rulings of the management.
Family Words of Relentless
When using the word “relentless,” you might want to use it in different forms or parts of speech depending on what you are talking about or the message you want to pass across. Therefore, ensure you learn the word and its various forms and use it correctly in your sentences.
That way, you will have an easy time writing the word in various parts of speech. Here is a look at the family words of “relentless.”
- Relent (verb): The word relent means to be severe or unkind or to agree after refusing at first.
Example sentences:
- Because I failed my exam, my father will not relent on enrolling me in a summer school.
- I hope that the principal will relent; I need to complete school.
- Despite the employees striking, the management would not relent to increase the worker’s pay.
- Relentlessly (adverb): The word relentlessly means in an increasingly intense or harsh way.
Example sentences:
- His decision is relentlessly casual, but it is not strict.
- Almost relentlessly, his lecture offered example after example to show how the heart works.
- It seems that we are getting relentlessly closer to closing the case.
Relentless Synonyms and Antonyms and Their Meaning
Learning the synonyms and antonyms of a vocabulary will help you develop your speaking and writing skills. With that in mind, here is a look at the synonyms and antonyms of the word “relentless.”
Synonyms
- Determined: Someone or something with their mind focused on doing something.
- Rigid: Not able to change or adapt.
- Unbending: Strict on one behavior or attitude, inflexible.
- Obdurate: Stubborn refusing to change one’s opinion or course of action.
- Adamant: Refusing to get persuaded to change your mind.
- Unyielding: A person or behavior that is unlikely to get swayed.
- Harsh: Cruel and severe.
- Fierce: Very extreme.
- Grim: Someone very serious or gloomy.
- Sting: Carefully planned operation involving deception.
- Strict: Demanding that certain rules about behavior get observed.
Antonyms
- Merciful: Bringing someone relief from something unpleasant.
- Compassionate: Fear or showing sympathy and concern for other people.
- Lenient: When punishment is more merciful and tolerant than expected.
- Easy: Achieve without difficulties or putting great effort.
- Flexible: Easy to modify and respond to different circumstances.
- Kind: Of Good, benevolent nature of disposition.
- Gentle: Having or showing the old kind and tender temperament.
- Irresolute: Feeling hesitancy or uncertain.
- Tender: Showing gentleness, kindness, and affection.
- Mild: Not severe, serious, or harsh.
Words with the Same Sound As Relentless
Did you know that words sound the same, and at times, people use them interchangeably, thinking they are the same or have the same meaning? But, one point to note when learning English is that words with the same sound do not necessarily have the same meaning. Here is a look at words with the same sound as relentless.
- Ceaseless
- Scentless
- Taintless
- Eventless
- Countless
- Merciless
- Endless
- Taintless
- Wetness
What Is the Meaning of Relentless?
The meaning of “relentless” is simply “not relenting.” The word defines those people who are never moved by tough issues or situations, and they stand by their word regardless of who they hurt or betray.
Example sentences:
- The insurance company got engaged in a relentless negotiation with the clients.
- All her friends wondered why Brian was the object of her relentless pursuit.
- The leaders who survived the bomb seem to be relentless about their sense of security.
How to Use Relentless In a Sentence?
When using the word “relentless” in a sentence, it is important to note that this word is an adjective. Remember that the wrong usage of a word in a sentence could lead to misunderstanding. In addition, it is more of a negative word but more on that below.
Is Relentless A Negative Word?
The English language has words that are positive and negative. But there are other words like “relentless” that send mixed messages. Note that though this word has a positive and negative connotation, its roots are negative. That’s why even when used in a positive setting, its roots are diffused with negative overtones.
Generally, when using this word, keep in mind that it is mostly negative, but you can get creative with your language in a way that you can display a hint of positivity in the word “relentless.”
10 Examples of Relentless In a Sentence
The best way to learn the meaning and usage of the word “relentless” is by reading the word in various sentences. That way, you will see how the word can be applied in different scenarios and how best you can also use it when writing your sentences. Let us have a look at these ten example sentences:
- His relentless nature made most of the employees not relate to him.
- The only thing that I can do is keep pace with the relentless need to ensure that we complete the project on time.
- Despite being on the last day of school, Stephen still had relentless energy.
- They were the most relentless of all the fighters.
- Rachel has shown her relentless nature with how she worked to achieve her dream job.
- Mr. Albert was known for his relentless energy and ambition.
- Her relentless war against her boss causes fear and anger in the office.
- When the queue is long; the clients are relentless.
- Everybody knows that Mark got all his wealth due to his relentless nature.
- The relentless urge of the coworkers always made them fight.
How Do You Spell Relentless?
The spelling of the word “relentless” is “R.E.L.E.N.T.L.E.S.S.”
Make sure you don’t confuse “l” with “r” in various syllables when writing this word. That’s one of the common mistakes people make.
How Do You Pronounce Relentless?
The pronunciation of the word “relentless” is “ruh·lent·luhs” or “reh.lent.luhs.”
You’ll realize that this pronunciation doesn’t change in British and American English. Learning the proper pronunciation of a word helps you better understand what you say. Keep in mind that pronunciation can differentiate beginners and experienced grammar users and speakers.
How Many Syllables Are In Relentless?
The word “relentless” has three syllables. The syllables are divided as re-lent-less. The stressed syllable in the word is “lent.”
History & Etymology of Relentless
The origin of the word “relentless” is Latin. The word in the Latin version is “lentus” which means “slow or viscous.” The French language also borrowed the word from Latin and used it as “rallentir,” which means “become less harsh or cruel.”
Later the English language borrowed the word and used it as “relent” to mean softer temper. As the English language evolved, “less” was later added to “relent.” Less in the English language means “without or lacking.” Relentless now has different meanings but showcases “not giving up.”
When Was Relentless First Used?
The first use of the word “relentless” was in 1952.
Conclusion
Have you read and understood the word “relentless” and its origin? This is one of the words you are likely to come across multiple times, and if you do not know its meaning, you will not understand what you are reading or what people are saying to you.
That said, make sure you keep learning about the word relentless and the various ways to use it in a sentence. What one thing have you learned about the word “relentless” so far? Let us hear from you. We would also like to hear where you first came across this word.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.