不屈 (bù qū) literally means 'not bending' — combining 不 (bù), meaning 'not', and 屈 (qū), meaning 'to bend', 'to yield', or 'to submit'. As an adjective, it describes a person’s unwavering spirit, moral resolve, or steadfast resistance in the face of pressure, adversity, or injustice. It emphasizes inner strength rather than physical force, often carrying noble or heroic connotations.

This word is commonly used in formal, literary, or inspirational contexts — such as speeches, historical narratives, or character descriptions — to praise resilience, courage, or principled endurance. While it can describe individuals, it’s also frequently applied to groups, ideals, or even abstract entities like 'the national spirit' or 'a people’s will'. It rarely appears in casual daily speech but is widely understood and valued in Chinese cultural discourse on integrity and perseverance.