Unapologetic means refusing to say sorry or show regret for something you've done or believe, even when others criticize you or expect an apology.

Sometimes being unapologetic is admirable. A scientist might be unapologetic about defending her research when others doubt it. An artist might remain unapologetic about creating unusual work that some people don't understand. When you know you're right and you've done nothing wrong, standing unapologetic takes courage.

But unapologetic can also describe someone who should feel sorry but doesn't. A student who talks during class and shows no regret is being unapologetic in a troubling way. Someone who hurts a friend's feelings and refuses to acknowledge it is unapologetic in a way that damages relationships.

The word captures a particular kind of firmness: an active, deliberate refusal to apologize. An unapologetic person has decided their position or action was justified, and they won't back down. Whether this firmness is strength or selfishness depends entirely on the situation. The key question is always: does this person have good reason to stand firm, or are they just too proud to admit a mistake?