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

Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. — ABC News, 29 June 2026

However long and tangled her rap sheet, Sugar sees her illuminatory potential through the grime and shadows of an unforgiving film-noir cityscape. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 27 June 2026

Holding period rules can be surprisingly unforgiving. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

The Magic are brushing up against the NBA’s unforgiving second apron, and every dollar matters. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 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