What does unremitting mean?
Unremitting means continuing without interruption, pause, or reduction in force. It is a formal, slightly literary adjective used for pressure, pain, effort, opposition, and other conditions that persist relentlessly. In “an unremitting struggle,” the word emphasizes that there is no respite and that the pressure does not ease; in “unremitting pain,” it signals steady, unyielding discomfort rather than occasional attacks. The adjective is more emphatic than “continuing” and often carries a serious or burdensome tone. Its construction reflects its history: “un-” negates “remitting,” and both elements ultimately connect with Latin remittere, “to send back.” The word is useful when persistence itself is the important feature, distinguishing a continuing ordeal from one that briefly appears or fluctuates. Because it conveys endurance and persistence, it often appears in descriptions of difficult circumstances rather than neutral, routine activities.
adjectiveContinuing without interruption, pause, or reduction in force; relentless and unyielding.
- Continuing without interruption, pause, or reduction in force.
"The team faced an unremitting struggle against the elements throughout the night."
"She endured unremitting pressure to meet the deadline."
"The report describes a long period of unremitting rain and flooding."
Unremitting pain is the opposite of pain that comes and goes: it refuses to let up.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unremitting come from?
Unremitting was formed in the early 17th century from the prefix un- and the present participle remitting, ultimately from remit. Remit comes through Old French and Latin from remittere, meaning “to send back” or “to send,” with remitting originally associated with sending money. In unremitting, the developing sense is “not remitting” in the sense of not stopping, diminishing, or giving way.
Related word forms
How unremitting is actually used
Formal and slightly literary; it is especially common in descriptions of pain, pressure, effort, opposition, and weather. It emphasizes persistence and the absence of relief rather than merely describing something that lasts a long time.
Easily confused with unremitting
Remitting means sending money regularly or periodically, while unremitting means continuing without interruption.