unbowed
Refusing to kneel
Unbowed describes someone who remains undefeated or unbroken in spirit, especially after facing hardship or adversity.
The word draws on the physical image of bowing—a gesture of submission or defeat—to suggest defiance and resilience.
She emerged from the scandal unbowed and ready to fight back.
It appears most memorably in the poem "Invictus": "My head is bloody, but unbowed."
Composed and respectable
- unhumbledNot made modest
- nobleTitled or virtuous
- honorableHaving high moral standards
- upstandingMorally upright, honest
self-respecting · unashamed · stately · majestic · regal · unbent · undiminished · unconquered
Resisting authority or control
- insubordinateDefying rightful authority
- resistantWithstanding external forces
- dissentingExpressing disagreement formally
- unbrokenNot damaged or interrupted
unapologetic · unrepentant · nonconformist · recalcitrant · obstinate · intransigent · oppositional · insurgent
Not damaged or interrupted
- survivorOne still alive after
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
tenacity · fortitude · grit · toughness · stamina · adaptability · buoyancy · strength
Vertical or morally sound
Steady and unchanging
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
- unflinchingRefusing to show fear
- resoluteFixed in purpose
- staunchFirmly loyal, unyielding
firm · constant · unswerving · unfaltering · committed · determined · dedicated · immovable
dignified
Composed and respectable
upstanding · self-respecting · unashamed · stately · majestic · regal · unbent · undiminished · unconquered · undaunted
rebellious
Resisting authority or control
- insubordinateDefying rightful authority
- resistantWithstanding external forces
- dissentingExpressing disagreement formally
unbroken · unapologetic · unrepentant · nonconformist · recalcitrant · obstinate · intransigent · oppositional · insurgent · mutinous
unbroken
Not damaged or interrupted
perseverance · tenacity · fortitude · grit · toughness · stamina · adaptability · buoyancy · strength · backbone
upright
Vertical or morally sound
unwavering
Steady and unchanging
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
- unflinchingRefusing to show fear
- resoluteFixed in purpose
staunch · firm · constant · unswerving · unfaltering · committed · determined · dedicated · immovable · unshakeable
unbowedbowed
Curved or bent over
submissive · cowed · defeated · conquered · subjugated
unbowedbroken
Damaged beyond function
crushed · beaten · vanquished · conquered · dispirited