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 Both candidates have pledged to clear the court’s congested case backlog and boasted their unforgiving prosecutorial records. Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Mar. 2024 Thousands of small, hard, unforgiving shapes are forged to form creations of almost unfathomable precision and exquisite beauty. Joe Heim, Washington Post, 25 Feb. 2024 The unforgiving nature of the NBA season gave the Lakers little time to enjoy their glimpse of Wembanyama and their victory over the Spurs (11-46). Helene Elliott, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2024 Video interviews can be unforgiving with certain patterns and designs, so opt for solid colors that stand out against your background. William Arruda, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Once launched, social media scrutiny is often unforgiving. Patrick Frater, Variety, 23 Feb. 2024 Enemies get tougher, levels get more unforgiving, and sacred candles go from piecemeal rewards to ubiquitous discoveries. Matt Gardner, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 The highs and lows of his journey are a testament to his conviction to the work, sticking to the hustle even when life can be unforgiving. Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2024 The film is a tapestry of misty vistas pierced only by lantern light as Ludvig battles the unforgiving earth in every condition, day and night, the planes of Mikkelsen’s distinctive face set against the sky. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 2 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unforgiving.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unforgiving was in 1713

Dictionary Entries Near unforgiving

Cite this Entry

“Unforgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforgiving. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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