English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

adjective Uncommon

relentless

rih-LEHNT-luhs

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Relentless (adjective) means continuing without pause or weakening; unyielding. Example: “The relentless rain flooded the streets by evening.”

adjective

1

Continuing without pause or weakening; unyielding.

"The relentless rain flooded the streets by evening."

"She trained with relentless determination for the Olympics."

How to use relentless

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNever letting up or easing off — used for pressure, effort, weather, or pursuit.

Common pairings

relentless pressure relentless pursuit relentless heat

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Comparative: more relentless
Superlative: most relentless

Test yourself on “relentless” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ rain flooded the streets by evening.

Etymology

From relent plus -less, meaning "without."

Synonyms

bateless grim incontestable inexorable invincible irresistible overpowering overwhelming potent puissant persistent unrelenting

Antonyms

contestable exorable impotent relenting remitting underwhelming stoppable vincible

Related words

down hard weak angry vulnerable depressed inevitable savage

Rhymes for relentless

talentless

See all rhymes for relentless →

Frequently asked questions

What does “relentless” mean?

The word “relentless” means continuing without pause or weakening; unyielding. In plain terms, never letting up or easing off — used for pressure, effort, weather, or pursuit.

How do you pronounce “relentless”?

“Relentless” is pronounced rih-LEHNT-luhs (/ɹɪˈlɛntləs/ in IPA).

How do you use “relentless” in a sentence?

Here is “relentless” used in a sentence: “The relentless rain flooded the streets by evening.”

What is another word for “relentless”?

Words with a similar meaning to “relentless” include bateless, grim, incontestable, inexorable, invincible and irresistible.

What is the opposite of “relentless”?

The opposite of “relentless” — its antonyms — are contestable, exorable, impotent, relenting and remitting.

What part of speech is “relentless”?

“Relentless” is an adjective.

Is “relentless” a common word?

“Relentless” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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down hard weak angry vulnerable depressed inevitable savage