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.
Marooned in one of the world's most unforgiving landscapes, these survivors must resort to drastic means to stay alive and find their way back home. Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025 The natural world is unforgiving to intruders. Michael Jerome Plunkett september 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025 But the stark, brooding palette of Tortured Poets casts an unforgiving light on some of the least consistent writing of her career. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025 The lifestyle lane is unforgiving. Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 2025.

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