Example usage:
Terence, you have indefatigable enthusiasm. The effect it has on people is inspiring.
In the sense of exuberance, but you feel positively about it.
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It just means tireless. Can tireless ever be negative? Yes.– tchrist ♦Commented Feb 22, 2013 at 14:24
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It has a negative connotation if you're asked to read it aloud with no warning, since no one can remember how it's pronounced.– Hot LicksCommented Aug 14, 2017 at 11:52
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If you feel positively about it then it has a positive connotation.– Arm the good guys in AmericaCommented Aug 14, 2017 at 12:49
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3 Answers
On its own: positive.
Modifying a neutral quality: positive.
However, it's not incorrect to use it as a modifier of a negative quality, so the obviously negative "your indefatigable stupidity continues to amaze me" is a valid use, too.
answered Feb 22, 2013 at 14:15
Yes, indefatigable is a word with positive connotations (here). The repeated use of indefatigable as a warship name underlines the general tone of approval.
answered Feb 22, 2013 at 13:44
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1I understand the idea of describing an inanimate object as indefatigable, but I was unsure whether it could positively describe a person's character. Commented Feb 22, 2013 at 13:48
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1The OED has plenty of citations for indefatigable where it does not appear to have a particularly positive aspect. Yes, saying that someone is “tireless” does seem in general positive, but consider “relentless”.– tchrist ♦Commented Feb 23, 2013 at 1:20
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Though I agree it's largely positive, be wary using it with reference to a person's character, though, as the situation is much more complex there.– DanCommented Aug 31, 2014 at 20:30
The word 'indefatigable' is a positive word. It means persisting or working tirelessly. The word tireless itself gives out postitivty and optimism, if used as an adjective for somebody. Hence, it has a positive connotation.
