forgiving

1 of 2

adjective

for·​giv·​ing fər-ˈgi-viŋ 

fȯr-

1

: willing or able to forgive

2

: allowing room for error or weakness

designed to be a forgiving tennis racquet

forgivingly adverb

forgivingness noun

forgiving

2 of 2

present participle of forgive

Examples of forgiving in a Sentence

Adjective

a person with a forgiving nature

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

His past misdemeanours will be stains that will never be completely erased, but boxing is a forgiving sport. — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

For people feeling strapped by steep costs, the 60/30/10 budget can offer a more forgiving framework to follow. — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026

Unlike some long-distance trails that offer extended stretches of relatively forgiving terrain, the AT spends much of its length going relentlessly up and down the Appalachian Mountains. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Namely, a forgiving elastic waistband, a breezy, lightweight feel, and pockets that are actually deep enough to hold your essentials. — Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for forgiving

• almsgiving
• caregiving
• misgiving
• nonliving
• reliving
• thanksgiving
• giving
• living
• sieving
• unforgiving

Kids Definition

forgiving

adjective

for·​giv·​ing

fər-ˈgiv-iŋ, 

fȯr-

1

: showing forgiveness : inclined or ready to forgive

a person with a forgiving nature

2

: allowing for human error or weakness

a tennis racket designed to be forgiving

forgivingly adverb

forgivingness noun