unforgiving

adjective

un·​for·​giv·​ing ˌən-fər-ˈgi-viŋ How to pronounce unforgiving (audio)
1
: unwilling or unable to forgive
2
: having or making no allowance for error or weakness
an unforgiving environment where false moves can prove fatalJaclyn Fierman
unforgivingness noun

Examples of unforgiving in a Sentence

They are unforgiving of the smallest mistake. the unforgiving world of politics
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many things conspire against the Yard Goats’ parent club, not the least of which is the unforgiving NL West, with the Dodgers, Padres, Giants and Diamondbacks. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025 His face, much like Abby’s (Kaitlyn Dever) dour, unforgiving countenance, is not that of a happy man. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 May 2025 Some estimates suggest that up to 90% of online stores fail early on, highlighting how unforgiving this space can be. Gabriel Shaoolian, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 Balan’s Manjulika, a 19th century royal court dancer who returns as an unforgiving spirit to avenge her murder, strikes a balance between fragility and fury. Sunil Sadarangani, Deadline, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unforgiving

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unforgiving was in 1713

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Cite this Entry

“Unforgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforgiving. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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