undiminished
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌndɪmˈɪnɪʃt/
US
- /ˌəndəˈmɪnɪʃt/
Description
- not lessened
- unchanged
- intact
Imagine a bright flame flickering in the wind. If it remains undiminished, that means its brightness hasn't faded, even though conditions are challenging. It suggests something has stayed strong and complete despite facing difficulties or the passage of time. A person's enthusiasm can remain undiminished after years of working at a job they love, or a historical monument might stand undiminished in grandeur for centuries.
The word implies strength and a refusal to be weakened or reduced. It's often used when describing qualities like courage, hope, or power that continue despite hardship. Think of it as the opposite of diminished, lessened, or weakened. A hero's reputation might remain undiminished even after false accusations.
The word undiminished describes something that remains unchanged in size, strength, quality, or degree, particularly when you might expect it to have decreased. It suggests strong staying power and an ability to withstand forces that would normally cause reduction or weakening.
You might say someone's "determination remained undiminished despite repeated setbacks," meaning their resolve didn't falter even though they faced obstacles. Or, "the beauty of the landscape was undiminished by the passing years," suggesting it stayed as stunning as ever. It isn't simply that something hasn't changed; there's an implication that forces were actively trying to reduce or weaken it, but failed.
Undiminished is often used in more formal writing and speech, lending a sense of strength and permanence to the subject being described. You might find it in historical accounts ("His legacy remains undiminished"), literary descriptions ("Her spirit was undiminished by her suffering"), or when emphasizing unwavering qualities ("Their loyalty remained undiminished throughout the crisis").
It's a powerful word that highlights not just preservation, but also an active resistance to decline. It's about holding onto something valuable and keeping it whole in the face of challenges. So, if something is undiminished, rest assured—its essence remains fully intact.
Examples
- 1
Teaching
Her enthusiasm for teaching remained undiminished after twenty years in the classroom.
- 2
Public support
Public support for the firefighters was undiminished by the mayor's criticism.
Pattern
undiminished by + cause
not made weaker by it
- 3
Confidence
Even after the loss, the captain spoke with undiminished confidence.
Phrase
with undiminished confidence
still showing the same confidence
- 4
Cultural influence
His fame has faded a little, but his influence remains undiminished.
- 5
Literary appeal
Thirty years later, the novel's appeal is still undiminished.
Forms and spellings
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Main spelling
- undiminishedadjective