Words / C2

in-TRANS-ij-uh-nt/ɪnˈtrænsɪdʒənt/

Intransigent means refusing to shift position or accept a compromise. Stubborn is everyday; inflexible is close; implacable stresses that nothing will soften feeling, while intransigent stresses negotiation that will not move. Intransigence is the noun, and news and diplomacy love it. In speech, will not budge is the paraphrase — it is almost always critical.

Meaning

Refusing to change your views or agree to a compromise (formal).

Examples

• “Both sides remained intransigent, so talks failed.”
• “Both unions remained intransigent on the night-shift clause.”
• “Intransigence on both sides turned a small dispute into a walkout.”

Good to know

Will not compromise. Noun: intransigence. Everyday: will not budge. Close: inflexible. Usually critical.

Near in meaning

inflexible

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