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

Mercedes says the sedan can travel 472 miles on a single charge, but that estimate was reached using the more forgiving WLTP testing standard. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026

But while gardening is a relatively forgiving process that can be adjusted over time, there are certain spring gardening do’s and don’ts that may dramatically alter the health of your plants and your garden for the entire growing season. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2026

Cherry tomatoes are more forgiving than larger varieties and tend to produce reliably. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026

An additional 15 states that have more forgiving deadlines for ballots from military and overseas voters also could be impacted. —Mark Sherman, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2026

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