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

But this style of gardening is very forgiving. —Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2026

Anytime goalscorer This is the more forgiving cousin of first goalscorer. —Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 11 June 2026

The Bravoverse is a largely forgiving community. —Kate Aurthur, Variety, 11 June 2026

Even so, if Cristian Romero can get healthy, the Argentina starting IX is world-class, and their group is more forgiving than most. —Kellis Robinett, Kansas City Star, 11 June 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