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unbending

/ˈʌnˌbɛndɪŋ/
IPA guide

Other forms: unbendingly

Something that's unbending is strict or inflexible, like an unbending rule in your grandparents' house that everyone has to take their shoes off, no matter what.

When people are described as being unbending, they're typically inflexible about rules or behavior. Your unbending math teacher might refuse to give homework extensions and lock the door so that tardy students can't slip into class late. This adjective inspired the figurative sense of the verb unbend, to relax or become less reserved. If you tend to be unbending, your friends may encourage you to unbend a little on the weekends.

Definitions of unbending
  1. adjective
    incapable of adapting or changing to meet circumstances
    “an unbending will to dominate”
    synonyms: inflexible, rigid
    unadaptable
    not adaptable
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