Undeterred
/ˌʌndɪˈtɜrdɚd/
adjectiveB2past participle used as adjective
Definition
Undeterred describes someone who keeps going and does not give up even when they face problems, obstacles, or difficulties. It means that nothing makes the person lose courage or stop trying.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Continuing effort despite obstacles or difficulties
- •She was undeterred by the heavy rain and finished the marathon.
- •The team was undeterred after losing the first game and worked harder.
- •He remained undeterred by the criticism and followed his dream.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "undeterred" like "not afraid," but stronger—it means you keep going even when things are hard.
- ✓Picture a runner in a race who falls but quickly stands up and keeps running without stopping.
- ✓It's the feeling you have when you want to reach a goal so much that problems do not stop you.
- ✓Sounds like "un-DETERRED" → imagine a strong door that cannot be closed by anyone trying to stop you.
- ✓Think of stories about brave heroes who keep fighting even when the situation is difficult.
- ✓NOT like "scared" or "stopped"—undeterred means you are not stopped by fear or problems.
- ✓NOT like "careless"—you still try carefully, but you don't give up when things go wrong.
Try Other Words
- •Persistent: continuing firmly despite problems (Use when focusing on steady effort over time)
- •Determined: having a strong decision to do something (Use when focusing on strong will or decision)
- •Unfazed: not worried or upset (Use when focusing on calmness despite problems)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "un-" (not) + root: "deter" (to stop or discourage) + suffix: "-ed" (past participle form used as adjective)
- •"Deter" comes from Latin "deterrere," meaning to frighten away or discourage
- •Originally, "deter" meant to stop someone from doing something by fear or doubt
- •"Undeterred" means not stopped or discouraged, the opposite of deter
- •Today, "undeterred" is often used to describe people who keep trying even when things are difficult
Reflect & Connect
•Can being undeterred ever be a problem? When might it be better to stop trying?
•How does being undeterred help people reach their goals in school, work, or life?
Fill in the blanks
1.She was undeterred by the ___ weather and kept working outside.
2.The student remained undeterred even after ___ several difficult tests.
3.Unlike those who give up quickly, undeterred people ___ challenges as chances to learn.
4.When someone is undeterred, they do not let ___ stop their progress.
5.The coach said the team played well because they were undeterred ___ losing the first match.
6.Being undeterred means you keep trying ___ you feel tired or frustrated.
7.Even when others doubted him, he was undeterred and ___ his own path.