unflinching

USAGE SUMMARY

'unflinching' is an acceptable and widely used word in written English.
It is an adjective and it means not allowing oneself to be intimidated or discouraged by difficulty, danger, criticism, or opposition. Example sentence: Despite the criticism she faced from her peers, she maintained an unflinching commitment to her values.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they remain, today, raw and unflinching.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Perhaps the result of all this will be the jolt that Mr Sulzberger was seeking.Ironically, it is hard to think of anyone who better epitomises unflinching self-scrutiny than Joseph Lelyveld, who preceded Mr Raines as editor at the New York Times and who briefly took over again after Mr Raines went.

The Economist

He is unflinching on the compulsory wearing of the hijab: like gold, silver and jewels, he says, it is natural for society to want to keep women safe from the avarice of men.He is implacable on Israel, too: it belongs to the Palestinians and its government should be in the hands of the Muslims, he says.

The Economist

"The relationship between an athlete and a coach can only be based on unflinching trust.

The Guardian - Sport

Don McCullin is best known for his unflinching photo reportage of war, famine and disaster from around the world, but he is also a fine observer of youth culture.

The Guardian

The merging of two separate shots was intended to depict caring Chinese politicians visiting a sweet old lady, but only gave the internet Orwellian nightmares – and obliged the image-makers to undergo some pretty unflinching Maoist self-criticism.

The Guardian - Arts

It was brutal, unflinching and a difficult watch, but Campbell's work stands alongside Olivia Colman's in the 2011 film Tyrannosaur in terms of commitment and detail.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This is an unflinching portrait of an England quite unlike George Orwell's idealised nation of "old maids bicycling to holy communion", let alone John Major's "invincible green suburbs".

The Guardian - Opinion

Bookshops are full of unflinching memoirs, and even the literary novel is no stranger to the genre.

The Guardian - Books

She is a lesbian.' But she won't be remembered for her unflinching support of the war there.

The Guardian

Later, according to the classified documents, the Iron Lady – resolute, principled, unflinching – accepted that the government would have to allow "a murderer to go free".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unflinching" to describe someone's commitment or resolve in the face of adversity or opposition. It adds a sense of strength and determination to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "unflinching" to describe physical features or inanimate objects. It primarily applies to a person's character or stance, not to things that cannot exhibit resolve.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unflinching" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a quality of steadfastness or unwavering commitment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in this way. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate this use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

35%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unflinching" is a versatile adjective used to describe someone or something that is steadfast and resolute in the face of adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It appears most frequently in news and media, suggesting a neutral to professional register. To avoid misuse, remember that "unflinching" should primarily describe a person's character or stance, not physical attributes. Consider alternatives like "steadfast" or "resolute" for similar meanings. The high example count validates its place as a common and effective word in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steadfast

Emphasizes unwavering loyalty or commitment.

resolute

Highlights a firm decision or purpose.

unwavering

Focuses on the absence of hesitation or doubt.

unyielding

Suggests resistance to pressure or change.

determined

Implies a strong desire to achieve something.

persistent

Indicates continued effort despite obstacles.

tenacious

Emphasizes holding firmly to a belief or goal.

dogged

Highlights stubborn or relentless pursuit.

adamant

Stresses inflexibility and strong conviction.

implacable

Suggests being impossible to appease or pacify.

FAQs

How to use "unflinching" in a sentence?

You can use "unflinching" to describe someone's unwavering commitment or resolve, as in "She showed "unflinching" courage in the face of danger".

What can I say instead of "unflinching"?

You can use alternatives like "steadfast", "resolute", or "unwavering" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "unflinching support" or "unwavering support"?

Both "unflinching support" and "unwavering support" are correct and convey a similar meaning of strong, consistent backing. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "unflinching" and "uncompromising"?

"Unflinching" emphasizes steadfastness and courage in the face of difficulty, while "uncompromising" focuses on a refusal to make concessions or change one's principles. While related, "uncompromising" suggests rigidity, which isn't necessarily present in the idea of unflinching.