Unyieldings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Refusing to bend or give way under pressure; demonstrating steadfast firmness and persistence in maintaining position or opinion; exhibiting unwavering strength or determination
2. Displaying a resolute refusal to be softened or changed; showing persistent and firm adherence to a course of action or belief; characterized by inflexible durability or resistance to force
3. Marked by an absolute lack of yielding or surrender; maintaining a steady, immovable stance despite obstacles; embodying consistent and strong resistance to change or influence

Etymology: "Unyieldings" is the plural of "unyielding," used as a noun for things or people that refuse to give way. The adjective is built from "un-," a native English prefix meaning "not," and "yielding," the present participle of "yield." "Yield" traces back to Old English "gieldan," meaning to pay or repay, which later took on the sense of giving way or surrendering. "Yielding" as an adjective, meaning soft or compliant, followed from that sense, and adding "un-" reverses it to describe something that does not give under pressure. Because the plural noun is simply the adjective pluralised after the fact, its history is that of its parts rather than a separate coinage. The earliest sense of "yield" as a verb is the older one, from paying a debt or returning a crop, and the sense of resistance is a reversal built on top of that.

Synonyms: stubbornnesses, inflexibilities

Antonyms: yieldings, flexibilities, compliances