unrepentant

USAGE SUMMARY

"unrepentant" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who shows no remorse or regret for their actions. Example: The criminal remained unrepentant even after his conviction. Alternative expressions include "unapologetic" and "unremorseful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unsurprisingly this has not gone down well in all quarters, with Bournemouth being variously accused of cashing in, fleecing their fans and spoiling everyone's holiday fun, though chairman Eddie Mitchell is unrepentant.

The Guardian - Sport

With harrowing, unrepentant exactitude it is a year to the weekend that the garish and tearaway business of motor racing was grotesquely freeze-framed into an eerie Pompeian stillness the moment its champion of cold-eyed invincibility and single-minded grandeur Ayrton Senna died in a 190mph crash in the name of sport.

The Guardian - Sport

Do not participate in or encourage the aw-shucks redemption of Sarah Palin – or any other unrepentant nightmare person, for that matter.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shell has reaffirmed its commitment to the Arctic as an oil resource and Lego remains unrepentant over its involvement with Shell, and vows to continue the partnership.

The Guardian

He is similarly unrepentant when asked for his present perspective on Extending Choice, which argued for a BBC steadily reducing its resemblance to its commercial rivals, and was viewed by anti-Birtists as crazily unworkable.

The Guardian

Or that Gatlin remains so unrepentant about his past.

The Guardian - Sport

The result was one of the totemic pictures of the strike – Scargill, each arm pinioned by a police offer, the unrepentant martyr on his way to jail.

The Guardian

He was unrepentant.

The Economist

It could even drive some AIS fighters back into terrorism out of dissatisfaction at the terms of the deal.Nobody knows much about the unrepentant militants.

The Economist

But if one thinks that California's unrepentant NIMBYs will never allow coastal cities to grow as markets would prefer, then the picture changes.

The Economist

He claims now to believe in democracy, but he is unrepentant about all the dissidents he jailed while he was a dictator.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place "unrepentant" before nouns like "sinner", "activist" or "rebel" to create a strong characterization of their personality.

Common error

Avoid using "unrepentant" as a synonym for simple persistence in a task; it almost always carries a weight of moral or social transgression that simple perseverance lacks. Use words like "steadfast" or "determined" for positive contexts instead.

Linguistic Context

Adjective - The word "unrepentant" acts as a descriptor for nouns, typically people or organizations. Ludwig shows it appearing both before the noun or after a linking verb like "remains" or "is". It effectively modifies the subject by attributing a permanent or semi-permanent lack of remorse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "unrepentant" is a sophisticated and widely accepted term used to describe individuals or entities that refuse to show remorse for their actions. Data from Ludwig shows that this word is exceptionally common in high-level journalistic outlets such as The Economist and The Guardian, where it describes everything from political figures to corporate entities. While synonyms like "unapologetic" or "impenitent" exist, "unrepentant" is particularly effective for highlighting a stubborn lack of moral regret. It is grammatically correct, stylistically neutral and essential for reporting on contexts of defiance or persistence in the face of criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unremorseful

A direct synonym that focuses specifically on the psychological absence of remorse.

impenitent

Carries a stronger religious or solemn moral undertone regarding the lack of repentance.

unapologetic

Focuses on the refusal to offer an apology rather than the inner state of moral guilt.

remorseless

Suggests a cold or even cruel indifference to the suffering caused by one's actions.

shameless

Implies a lack of embarrassment or social decorum rather than just a refusal to repent.

obdurate

Emphasizes stubbornness and an hardened refusal to change one's mind or heart.

unabashed

Suggests being poised and not at all disconcerted by criticism or exposure.

hardened

Describes a person who has become unfeeling or cynical over a long period.

defiant

Focuses on the active resistance to authority rather than the specific lack of regret.

brazen

Implies a bold and shameless behavior that is often provocative in nature.

FAQs

How do I use "unrepentant" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone who shows no regret, such as: The politician remained unrepentant despite the public outcry. Ludwig examples often show it describing historical figures or legal defendants.

What is the difference between "unrepentant" and "unapologetic"?

While "unrepentant" refers to an internal lack of moral regret or penitence, "unapologetic" simply describes the outward refusal to say sorry. The former is often seen as a deeper character trait.

What can I say instead of "unrepentant"?

Depending on your tone, you might use "unremorseful", "impenitent" or "unabashed" to convey a similar lack of shame.

Is "unrepentant" a formal word?

Yes, it is generally considered neutral to formal. It is a staple of serious journalism and literature, frequently appearing in publications like The Economist and The Guardian.