What does unpersuadable mean?
Unpersuadable means impossible or extremely difficult to persuade. It describes a person, group, or occasionally an argument or position that resists persuasion, negotiation, or appeal. The word is more forceful than “unwilling”: an unpersuadable person is not merely declining an offer for the moment but is portrayed as holding a firm stance despite reasoning, pressure, or repeated attempts to change their mind. In British and American English, it is most often associated with formal discussion, political or legal contexts, and descriptions of determined opponents. The related word “unpersuaded” has a different meaning: it refers to someone who has not yet been convinced, without necessarily implying that persuasion would be futile. Together, these forms distinguish a state of immovability from a simple lack of persuasion.
adjectiveNot possible to persuade; firmly resistant to persuasion or argument.
- Impossible or extremely difficult to persuade; firmly resistant to argument or appeal.
"Despite hours of careful explanation, the witness remained unpersuadable."
"The committee was unpersuadable, and the proposal was rejected without further discussion."
"She faced an unpersuadable audience, but continued to make her case with patient reasoning."
When even the strongest argument cannot shift a position, the obstacle is not stubbornness alone—it is unpersuadability.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unpersuadable come from?
The word is formed from the prefix “un-” and “persuadable,” meaning capable of being persuaded. “Persuadable” comes from “persuade,” which derives from Latin “persuadere,” a verb meaning “to persuade” or “convince.” Related English words include “persuasion,” “persuasive,” “persuader,” and “persuaded,” all sharing the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How unpersuadable is actually used
This is a formal and relatively literary word. It is stronger than simply unwilling and is often used for people who maintain a position despite persuasive arguments or repeated appeals.
Easily confused with unpersuadable
Unpersuadable describes someone or something resistant to persuasion, whereas unpersuaded means merely that someone has not been persuaded.