intransigent
Unwilling to compromise or change one's views
Examples
In a meeting
“The union remained intransigent on the healthcare benefits issue.”
Over coffee
“My dad is intransigent about family dinner every Sunday—no exceptions.”
Why this word
stubborn
Intransigent means unwilling to compromise or change views, especially in negotiations, while stubborn is general resistance
inflexible
Intransigent emphasizes refusing to moderate a position or compromise, while inflexible means rigid in any context
uncompromising
Intransigent carries a sense of extreme unwillingness to negotiate, while uncompromising can be principled firmness
Usage tip
Use to describe stubborn refusal to negotiate, especially when it's frustrating progress
Etymology
Spanish — from 'intransigente' (uncompromising), from 'in-' (not) + 'transigir' (to compromise)
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Related words
contradict
To state the opposite or deny the truth of something
pushback
Resistance or objection to an idea or plan
appease
To pacify or satisfy someone by giving in to their demands
impasse
A deadlock where no progress is possible
conciliatory
Intended to gain goodwill or reduce hostility
defuse
To reduce the danger or tension in a situation