What does intransigently mean?
Intransigently is an adverb meaning in a completely unyielding and uncompromising manner. It describes conduct marked by a refusal to make concessions, alter a stated position, or accept a compromise. The word is especially common in political, legal, industrial, and diplomatic contexts, where negotiations or disputes may be affected by a party's rigid attitude. It is also used more generally for behaviour that appears stubborn to the point of obstruction. Although the meaning is closely related to stubbornness, intransigently often suggests a deliberate refusal to negotiate rather than merely a personal habit of resisting change. Because of this implication, the term frequently has a negative connotation: steadfast commitment may be admirable in one context, but intransigently defending a position can prevent agreement and make a dispute harder to resolve. The related adjective intransigent describes the person or position displaying this quality, while intransigence names the attitude or quality itself.
adverbIn a resolutely unyielding manner, without making concessions or changing one's position.
- In a resolutely unyielding manner, without compromise or concession.
"The negotiators refused to compromise and continued to demand a complete settlement."
"The committee intransigently rejected every proposed amendment."
"She remained intransigently opposed to the merger despite mounting pressure to approve it."
To be intransigent is to treat compromise as impossible—even when a small concession could open the door.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intransigently come from?
The word derives from the Latin intransigens, meaning "refusing to agree," formed from the prefix in-, expressing negation, and transigere, meaning "to agree or compromise." Transigere itself combines trans-, meaning "across," with agere, "to do, drive, or act." English later adopted the related intransigent and intransigence, with intransigently formed as the standard adverb.
Related word forms
How intransigently is actually used
Relatively formal and often carries a negative implication because uncompromising behaviour can prevent negotiation or resolution.
Easily confused with intransigently
Intransigent is the adjective describing an unyielding person, position, or attitude, whereas intransigently is the adverb describing how such a person or position acts.