What does impenitently mean?
Impenitently is an adverb meaning “without remorse or regret,” especially when someone continues wrongdoing, blames others, or refuses to acknowledge responsibility. It is more than simply being stubborn: the word carries a strong moral judgment and suggests that the person is continuing despite understanding the harm involved. For example, someone who impenitently returns to an abusive behavior is behaving in a way that shows neither contrition nor concern for the consequences. The word is formal and commonly used in legal, journalistic, and literary contexts. It derives from the same Latin root as penitent and penitence, but with the negative prefix im-, meaning “not” or “without.” Because of its accusatory tone, impenitently is best reserved for situations in which a lack of remorse is clearly being criticized.
adverbIn a way that shows no remorse or regret for wrongdoing. Impenitently continues an action or attitude without acknowledging the harm or consequences involved.
- Without remorse or regret for wrongdoing; stubbornly persisting in an attitude or action despite moral disapproval or negative consequences.
"He impenitently returned to the argument despite the evidence against him."
"The speaker impenitently demanded an apology she had not earned."
"The criminal continued to blame others and showed no remorse."
To be impenitently wrong is to keep going as though consequences do not matter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does impenitently come from?
Impenitently comes from the adjective impenitent, meaning “not repentant” or “without remorse.” The family is based on Latin paenitere, “to repent,” related to penitent and penitence. The negative prefix im- was added to express the opposite meaning, and the adverbial form -ly developed in the usual English way. The word has been used in English since the 17th century, particularly in religious and legal writing.
Related word forms
How impenitently is actually used
Impenitently is formal and strongly condemnatory. It is usually used to describe someone continuing to act without admitting fault or feeling remorse, rather than as a neutral description of persistence.
Easily confused with impenitently
Impenitently describes acting without remorse, whereas impatiently describes acting with irritation or restlessness because of a delay or obstacle.