forgiving

adjective

for·​giv·​ing fər-ˈgi-viŋ 

fȯr-

1

: willing or able to forgive

2

: allowing room for error or weakness

designed to be a forgiving tennis racquet

forgivingly adverb

forgivingness noun

Examples of forgiving in a Sentence

a person with a forgiving nature

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike in previous offseasons, the NHL system in an era of cap growth should theoretically be more forgiving for the NHL’s 32 member clubs. —Harman Dayal, New York Times, 19 June 2025

Judy is one of the best, and shooting on film is also a lot more forgiving. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025

While a liquid carton is a race to use up before the expiration date, buttermilk powder is more forgiving. —Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 June 2025

Taylor is confused why Jessi is so forgiving toward Demi. —Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 17 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for forgiving

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

Kids Definition

forgiving

adjective

for·​giv·​ing

fər-ˈgiv-iŋ,

fȯr-

1

: showing forgiveness : inclined or ready to forgive

a person with a forgiving nature

2

: allowing for human error or weakness

a tennis racket designed to be forgiving

forgivingly adverb

forgivingness noun