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Definition of unbowed

unbowed

/ʌnˈbaʊd/
un · bowed
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unbowed Lexical Profile

unbowed Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not having submitted to pressure, hardship, or defeat; remaining proud, resolute, and defiant.

Example

"Despite years of harsh criticism from her peers, the scientist remained unbowed in her pursuit of the theory."

2

Not physically bent, curved, or arched downward.

Example

"The ancient oak trees stood tall with thick, unbowed trunks despite the fierce coastal winds."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for unbowed

• Nearby Words

unbottled
unbound
unbounded
unbowed
unbowing
unbox
unboxing

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the negative prefix 'un-' and 'bowed', the past participle of 'bow' (from Old English 'bugan', meaning to bend, stoop, or submit). Its figurative usage was famously popularized by William Ernest Henley's 1875 poem 'Invictus' in the line 'My head is bloody, but unbowed.'

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Unbowed. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/unbowed
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