Steadfast
adjective /ˈstɛdfɑːst/ — Unwavering in loyalty, even when it would be easier to walk away.
Definition
Resolutely firm and dependable; not changing or giving way in the face of pressure or difficulty.
Beyond the definition
Steadfast is the quiet kind of strength — not showy or loud, but deeply reliable. The friend who shows up. The commitment that holds when everything else shifts.
Origin & history
From Old English stedefæst — 'fixed in place' (stede: place + fæst: firmly fixed). Originally described something literally immovable.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
She remained steadfast in her support, even when others turned away.
His steadfast refusal to compromise earned him both enemies and deep respect.
There's something rare about steadfast love — it doesn't need an audience.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Steadfast” when the meaning fits your context: Resolutely firm and dependable; not changing or giving way in the face of pressure or difficulty.
Synonyms
resolute, unwavering, constant, loyal, committed, firm
Antonyms
fickle, wavering, unreliable, vacillating
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Official Standing in Courtroom
An adult stands in a grand, silent, wood-paneled courtroom, holding a document with a formal expression of commitment to their duty.
Steadfastness is the quality of being resolute and unchanging in the face of pressure. The individual’s formal, composed posture within the vast and serious environment of the courtroom illustrates the daily, consistent renewal of their commitment and their refusal to give way in their duty.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Steadfast" mean?
Steadfast is adjective meaning: Unwavering in loyalty, even when it would be easier to walk away.. Resolutely firm and dependable; not changing or giving way in the face of pressure or difficulty.
Where does the word "Steadfast" come from?
From Old English stedefæst — 'fixed in place' (stede: place + fæst: firmly fixed). Originally described something literally immovable.