undeterred

Undeterred is an adjective describing a person or action that remains uninhibited by obstacles, risk, or opposition, conveying perseverance and resolve. It characterizes staying committed to a goal even when faced with discouragement or danger.

Etymology: The word is formed from the verb deter, meaning to discourage or prevent, with the prefix un- to negate it. The adjective undeterred literally means not deterred. The term appears in English usage from the late 18th century onward.

Usage: Undeterred is commonly used in formal writing, journalism, and narrative prose to describe steadfastness. It is typically followed by by or despite to specify what is not deterring someone, as in undeterred by criticism or undeterred by danger. The sense emphasizes resilience and a deliberate choice to continue.

Relation to other terms: Synonyms include steadfast, persistent, unyielding, and unflinching. Related ideas include undaunted and unfazed. Antonyms include deterred, discouraged, and demoralized, which describe the opposite mindset.

Examples: The team pressed forward undeterred by injuries and a grueling schedule. She remained undeterred by harsh reviews, continuing her research toward a promised breakthrough.

See also: Undaunted, unfazed, perseverance. In usage, undeterred often complements verbs of action to highlight ongoing effort in the face of obstacles.