unsparing

adjective

un·​spar·​ing ˌən-ˈsper-iŋ 

1

: not merciful or forbearing : hard, ruthless

an unsparing satire

an unsparing critic

2

: not frugal : liberal, profuse

unsparing generosity

unsparingly

ˌən-ˈsper-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of unsparing

• generous
• charitable

Examples of unsparing in a Sentence

neighbors were unsparing in their charity when a local family was rendered homeless by a fire

unsparing in his criticism of the welfare state

Recent Examples on the Web

What has lagged is the on-field product—and Bennett, who has watched the USMNT’s results with the particular anguish of a true believer, is unsparing about why. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 June 2026

The new one on Rafael Nadal is an unsparing journey into his tennis suffering. —Ava Wallace, New York Times, 30 May 2026

The judge who sentenced Peters in October 2024 was unsparing. —Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 28 May 2026

The judge who sentenced Peters in October 2024 was unsparing. —Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unsparing

• childbearing
• comparing
• declaring
• despairing
• forbearing
• impairing
• preparing
• repairing
• ridesharing
• timesharing
• uncaring
• unerring

Kids Definition

unsparing

adjective

un·​spar·​ing ˌən-ˈspa(ə)r-iŋ 

-ˈspe(ə)r-, 

ˈən-

1

: not merciful or forgiving : hard, ruthless

unsparing attacks

2

: not stingy : liberal

unsparing in their gifts to charity

unsparingly adverb