Relentlessly

/rɪˈlentlɪsli/

adverbmedium📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning3 questions

Definitions

1

In an unyielding, persistent, or severe manner; without giving up or softening.

/rɪˈlentlɪsli/

adverbneutralmedium
General

In a persistent and unforgiving manner

She pursued her dream relentlessly, working tirelessly until she achieved her goals.

💡 Simply: Like when you REALLY want something and you just keep trying and trying, no matter what! For example, a kid who asks relentlessly for ice cream until their parent says yes.

👶 For kids: Doing something over and over again, without stopping or giving up.

More Examples

2

The sun beat down relentlessly on the desert landscape.

3

The critics attacked the film relentlessly, but it performed well in theaters.

4

The child asked for a toy relentlessly until his parents caved in.

How It's Used

Sports

"The team played relentlessly, never giving up until the final whistle."

Business

"The company pursued its goals relentlessly, expanding into new markets despite challenges."

Literature

"The detective questioned the suspect relentlessly, seeking the truth."

Synonyms & Antonyms

From the adjective "relentless," which comes from the Old French "relentir" (to soften) and ultimately from the Latin "lentus" (slow, pliant). The suffix "-lessly" indicates manner.

The word "relentlessly" has been used since the late 19th century to describe actions or forces that are persistent and unwavering.

Memory tip

Imagine a relentless storm – it never stops. The word conveys a similar persistence.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"slow; pliant"

pursue relentlesslywork relentlesslyattack relentlesslyfight relentlessly

Common misspellings

relentleslyrelentesslyrelentlesly

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written