What does unbrokenly mean?
Unbrokenly is a rare English adverb meaning “without a break or interruption.” It describes something that continues steadily and without disruption, or more figuratively, something that remains constant without being divided or weakened. The word is formed from unbroken plus the suffix -ly, so it shifts the adjective’s focus from a condition to a manner of continuing. In use, unbrokenly often carries a formal or literary tone and may imply both persistence and continuity. For example, continuous activity can be described as proceeding unbrokenly, while an enduring commitment may be called unbrokenly devoted. Although it is fully understandable and precisely formed, it is much less common than continuously, uninterruptedly, or unceasingly. Its rarity gives it a slightly emphatic quality, making it useful when the writer wants to highlight an absence of interruption or a steady, uncompromising persistence.
adverbIn a manner that continues without a break, interruption, or division; continuously. Figuratively, it can describe unwavering or unflagging persistence.
- Continuously, without interruption, division, or disruption.
- With unflagging persistence or without weakening; steadfastly.
"The applause continued unbrokenly for the length of the performance."
"The applause continued unbrokenly for the length of the performance."
"She remained unbrokenly devoted to the ideals that had shaped her early life."
With its uncommon -ly ending, unbrokenly shifts the familiar idea of unbroken from a condition to a way of continuing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unbrokenly come from?
The adverb is formed within English by adding -ly to unbroken. Its elements are native to English: un- is an Old English negating prefix, break continues Old English brecan, and -ly descends from Old English līce, an adverbial suffix. Words such as break, broken, breakage, and breaker share the same Germanic verbal ancestry.
How unbrokenly is actually used
Rare and somewhat literary; ordinary prose usually prefers continuously, uninterruptedly, or unceasingly. It can suggest steadiness and the absence of interruption, while figurative uses may convey unwavering persistence.
Easily confused with unbrokenly
Unbroken is an adjective describing something that is intact or continuous, whereas unbrokenly is an adverb describing the manner in which something continues.