unbending
Refusing to yield
Unbending describes something or someone that refuses to bend—literally rigid, or figuratively inflexible.
An unbending rod won't curve under pressure.
An unbending person won't yield or compromise: She remained unbending in her principles despite criticism.
The word often carries a note of stubbornness or severity, though it can also suggest admirable resolve.
Firmly committed to purpose
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- firmSolid or resolute
- unwaveringSteady and unchanging
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
tenacious · unswerving · unshakeable · dogged · persistent · staunch · committed · dedicated
Not easily bent
- inflexibleUnable to bend
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
- inelasticResistant to deformation
- firmSolid or resolute
solid · hard · fixed · unpliable · sturdy · taut · straight · erect
Rigorous, without flexibility
- austereSeverely simple and unadorned
- severeExtremely harsh or strict
- harshUnpleasantly severe or rough
- demandingRequiring great effort
authoritative · disciplinarian · formidable · rigorous · uncompromising · grim · dour · ascetic
determined
Firmly committed to purpose
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- firmSolid or resolute
- unwaveringSteady and unchanging
unyielding · tenacious · unswerving · unshakeable · dogged · persistent · staunch · committed · dedicated · unflinching
stiff
Not easily bent
- inflexibleUnable to bend
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
- inelasticResistant to deformation
firm · solid · hard · fixed · unpliable · sturdy · taut · straight · erect · nonflexible
strict
Rigorous, without flexibility
- austereSeverely simple and unadorned
- severeExtremely harsh or strict
- harshUnpleasantly severe or rough
demanding · authoritative · disciplinarian · formidable · rigorous · uncompromising · grim · dour · ascetic · forbidding
- stubbornnessstubbornness, obstinacy, pigheadedness, bullheadedness, mulishness
- oppressivestifling, suffocating, smothering, crushing, repressive
- straighteninguncoiling, uncurling, unfolding, untwisting, flattening
- texturessmoothness, smooth, soft, rough, roughness
- Hard Thingsrock, stone, diamond, iron, metal