Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
intransigent
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'intransigent' is correct and usable in written English.
It means 'refusing to change one's views or to agree about something'. For example, 'The intransigent politician refused to compromise even when the issue was of great importance for the country.'.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Science
Alternative expressions(11)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
In such a context, that the Paisleyites did not win more decisively last week was a comment on the profound distrust of vast layers of Northern Irish Protestant society for the intransigent and self-righteous politicians of the DUP.
News & Media
An appeal to the European court of human rights, where the author's intransigent stance on freedom of speech would most likely have been upheld, will not be an option: De Luca has already declared that he will not appeal the sentence.
News & Media
"The lack of an agreement so far is not due to the supposed intransigent, uncompromising and incomprehensible Greek stance," he wrote.
News & Media
Meanwhile it has emerged that members of the local community have written to senior civil servants at the MoD about the "capricious and intransigent manner" in which they handled the closure of the barracks before reopening it to house the Libyans.
News & Media
In his Today show appearance, Cruz rejected the notion that he was an intransigent extremist whose unbending positions in the Senate had made him an enemy of compromise – the most glaring evidence of which, his critics say, being the partial shutdown of the federal government he helped precipitate in October 2013 with a profoundly feckless attempt to block the president's healthcare law.
News & Media
She was up against the most intransigent, ruthless Opposition imaginable.
News & Media
Steny Hoyer, the number two in the Democratic hierarchy in the House, said this week that his party should not undermine negotiations by ruling out benefit cuts on principle.Perhaps the best reason to suppose that Democrats may be less intransigent than they appear on entitlements, however, is that it is not their focus in the negotiations.
News & Media
Bosnia won the deal only after its intransigent leaders wore down their EU partners into accepting a watered-down version of reform for Bosnia's police.Miroslav Lajcak, the international pro-consul in Bosnia, argues that most of its 3.8m people now put jobs and prosperity above the old national questions.
News & Media
After two decades as the Turkish-Cypriots' wily chief spokesman and most intransigent "negotiator" he declared, in November 1983, unilateral independence, and ruled as a one-man show for the next 22 years.Although he formally accepted the idea of a loose federation, a two-state settlement was his overwhelming desire.
News & Media
But as the homeless become fewer and more intransigent, eradication seems less realistic.
News & Media
He can claim that, thanks to the forceful use of his powers (sacking intransigent elected officials, for example), he has led Bosnia "from Dayton to Brussels" (see article).Foreigners are more impressed than the Bosnians themselves with all this.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Pair "intransigent" with specific nouns to show what is unyielding. For example, "intransigent position", "intransigent stance", "intransigent demands".
Common error
Avoid using "intransigent" when a more neutral term like "firm" or "determined" would be more appropriate. "Intransigent" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting an unreasonable refusal to compromise, so ensure this negative implication aligns with your intended message.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The primary grammatical function of "intransigent" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something unwilling to compromise or change their position. As shown by Ludwig, it often precedes nouns like "stance", "leaders", and "politicians".
Frequent in
News & Media
78%
Formal & Business
12%
Science
10%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "intransigent" functions primarily as an adjective used to describe an unwillingness to compromise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, especially in news and media contexts. When using the term, ensure the negative connotation aligns with your intended message, as it suggests an unreasonable refusal to compromise. While alternatives like "uncompromising" and "obstinate" exist, "intransigent" carries a unique emphasis on the detrimental impact of this inflexibility. Therefore, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig, choosing "intransigent" over other similar words is a way to denote not only the degree of inflexibility but also signal the impact that this "inflexibility" has on negotiations.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
uncompromising
Emphasizes a firm adherence to principles and a refusal to make concessions.
obstinate
Highlights a stubborn refusal to change one's opinion or course of action, often seen as unreasonable.
adamant
Stresses a resolute and unwavering stance, suggesting an unyielding determination.
inflexible
Focuses on the rigidity and lack of adaptability in one's approach or viewpoint.
unyielding
Implies a firm resistance to pressure or influence, maintaining a fixed position.
resolute
Conveys a strong determination to stick to a decision or belief, even in the face of opposition.
obdurate
Suggests a stubborn refusal to be persuaded or influenced, often with a negative connotation.
pigheaded
Indicates a foolishly stubborn and unreasoning adherence to one's own views.
mulish
Compares the stubbornness to that of a mule, implying an unreasonable resistance to change.
bullheaded
Highlights a stubborn and forceful insistence on one's own way, often disregarding others' opinions.
FAQs
How can I use "intransigent" in a sentence?
Use "intransigent" to describe someone or something unwilling to compromise or change their position, such as, "The negotiator found the opposing side to be "intransigent" on key issues."
What are some alternatives to "intransigent"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "uncompromising", "obstinate", or "inflexible" to convey a similar meaning.
When is it appropriate to use "intransigent"?
"Intransigent" is appropriate when you want to emphasize a negative unwillingness to compromise, particularly when this inflexibility is seen as unreasonable or detrimental to progress.
What's the difference between "intransigent" and "stubborn"?
"Stubborn" generally implies a firm and unwavering attitude, while "intransigent" suggests a more extreme and unreasonable refusal to compromise, making it a more negative term.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested