What does unrepentant mean?
Unrepentant describes a person who feels no remorse for wrongdoing and shows no willingness to make amends or change course. It is more strongly moral than merely “not apologetic”: the term presupposes a wrong for which repentance would be expected, while denying that regret. In everyday use, an unrepentant offender may refuse to express sorrow, accept responsibility, or abandon harmful behaviour, although the precise legal implications depend on context. The adjective can also characterize attitudes, expressions, or communities, as in an unrepentant defence of an action. Its tone is formal and condemnatory, so it is usually reserved for serious or persistent misconduct rather than minor mistakes. Though less common than “unapologetic,” unrepentant is useful when the central issue is the absence of moral regret rather than simply the absence of an apology. The related adverb unrepentantly and uncommon noun unrepentantness express the same stance more explicitly.
adjectiveNot feeling or showing remorse or sorrow for wrongdoing; unwilling to repent.
- Not feeling or showing remorse for wrongdoing and unwilling to repent.
"Despite years of reform, he remained unrepentant about the harm he had caused."
"The convicted offender remained unrepentant and refused to apologize."
"Her unrepentant defence of the policy drew criticism from civil-rights advocates."
Unrepentant means remorse's opposite—not merely an apology withheld.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unrepentant come from?
The adjective was formed in English by combining the negative prefix un- with repentant. Its root ultimately comes from Latin paenitere, meaning “to feel regret or remorse,” which also underlies repent, repentance, penitence, and penitent. English forms developed over time to express both the condition of regretting and the refusal to do so.
Related word forms
How unrepentant is actually used
Used chiefly of people and their attitudes, conduct, or statements. It is strongly evaluative and commonly appears in moral, legal, and political contexts, implying wrongdoing and a refusal to acknowledge or regret it.