unforgiving
adjective
un·for·giv·ing
ˌən-fər-ˈgi-viŋ 
1
: unwilling or unable to forgive
2
: having or making no allowance for error or weakness
an unforgiving environment where false moves can prove fatal—
Jaclyn Fierman
Jaclyn 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
After a lengthy tutorial, players are thrust into the unforgiving open world of the Wasteland, which boasts an impressive variety of enemies and a slew of compelling side quests to complete.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 24 Apr. 2024
Stalwarts of the Chinese Communist Party remain unforgiving of Moscow’s destruction of communism across Eurasia and eastern Europe.
—Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2024
Teams will need to endure physical pain, the unforgiving environment, and one another for the chance to win a $500,000 grand prize.
—Lauren Huff, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2024
This took out a master fundraiser and adept tactician and led to the rise of Mike Johnson, an inexperienced leader trying to manage in unforgiving circumstances.
—The Editors, National Review, 29 Mar. 2024
At times, the limited shot selection can feel like a casualty of an unforgiving schedule.
—Stephen Saito, Variety, 9 Mar. 2024
Shifting attitudes in the U.S. have begun to evaporate hope for ongoing support, the unforgiving front lines churn through soldiers, and other urgent conflicts have drawn the media's attention away from Ukraine.
—Claire Harbage, NPR, 23 Feb. 2024
Encouraging Voice When the World Doesn't Listen Roe v. Wade has left the most vulnerable among us in the most unforgiving and uncompromising position.
—Adiba Nelson, Parents, 3 Apr. 2024
But for climber Alex Honnold, some such places, found in the harshest and most unforgiving of environments, still exist and are ripe for adventure.
—Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 25 Mar. 2024
Katcy Stephan, Variety, 24 Apr. 2024
Stalwarts of the Chinese Communist Party remain unforgiving of Moscow’s destruction of communism across Eurasia and eastern Europe.
—Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2024
Teams will need to endure physical pain, the unforgiving environment, and one another for the chance to win a $500,000 grand prize.
—Lauren Huff, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2024
This took out a master fundraiser and adept tactician and led to the rise of Mike Johnson, an inexperienced leader trying to manage in unforgiving circumstances.
—The Editors, National Review, 29 Mar. 2024
At times, the limited shot selection can feel like a casualty of an unforgiving schedule.
—Stephen Saito, Variety, 9 Mar. 2024
Shifting attitudes in the U.S. have begun to evaporate hope for ongoing support, the unforgiving front lines churn through soldiers, and other urgent conflicts have drawn the media's attention away from Ukraine.
—Claire Harbage, NPR, 23 Feb. 2024
Encouraging Voice When the World Doesn't Listen Roe v. Wade has left the most vulnerable among us in the most unforgiving and uncompromising position.
—Adiba Nelson, Parents, 3 Apr. 2024
But for climber Alex Honnold, some such places, found in the harshest and most unforgiving of environments, still exist and are ripe for adventure.
—Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 25 Mar. 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.
Dictionary Entries Near unforgiving
Cite this Entry
“Unforgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforgiving. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
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