Unbowed
What it means
Still dignified and determined after pressure or defeat.
Reach for it when Honoring resilience that refuses humiliation or surrender.
The unbowed residents returned to court with better records and wider support.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
|
-
everyday
defiant
Fits when active resistance deserves emphasis
Not when can sound hostile rather than resilient
-
warm
Fits when self-respect survives a setback
Not when may suggest satisfaction rather than resistance
-
professional
Fits when purpose remains firm under pressure
Not when does not imply a prior attempt to subdue
-
formal
Fits when loyal commitment continues through adversity
Not when quieter than open refusal to yield
-
formal
Fits when difficulty has not reduced courage
Not when less focused on dignity after mistreatment
-
literary
Fits when hardship has not crushed the spirit
Not when can imply damage even when none occurred
Opposites 3
- subdued
- defeated
- broken
Common phrases 3
-
remain unbowed
The advocates remained unbowed after the permit was denied.
-
unbowed spirit
Her unbowed spirit steadied the team during the appeal.
-
proud and unbowed
He left the hearing proud and unbowed, despite the delay.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated