unforgiving

1 of 2

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

unforgivingness noun

unforgivingness

2 of 2

noun

un·​forgivingness

"+

: the quality or state of being unforgiving : implacability, vindictiveness

the unforgivingness of passionate hearts

—John Galsworthy

Examples of unforgiving in a Sentence

Adjective

They are unforgiving of the smallest mistake.

the unforgiving world of politics

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Hatcher — a Pomo shape-shifter who dodges prejudice by passing as Mexican in the novel — is a thorny protagonist, often cunning, scheming and unforgiving. — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026

Nonetheless, the firings were a reminder that the runway for a play caller to find his rhythm can be unforgiving. — Joseph Person, New York Times, 24 June 2026

Real-world environments are unforgiving, demanding reliability, safety, and robust performance far beyond lab demos. — Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

True to its title, As Told by Ginger is told through the diary entries of Ginger (Melissa Disney), a good-hearted nerd trying to make her way through the unforgiving social bureaucracies of middle school. — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

unforgiving + -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unforgiving

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