unforgivable

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adjective un·for·giv·able \ ˌən-fər-ˈgi-və-bəl , -fȯr- \

Definition of unforgivable

:too bad to be forgiven :not forgivable

an unforgivable crime/sin/error

Such boldness on the part of a man of my own class would have been almost unforgivable.
—Jack London

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unforgivably

play \ˌən-fər-ˈgi-və-blē, -fȯr-\ adverb

See unforgivable defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of unforgivable from the Web

A communiqué that was a part of the bond that mothers have, one that was brought up by the radiant shame one must feel when your son has wreaked unforgivable havoc on another mother's child.

— rachel kaadzi ghansah, GQ, "A Most American Terrorist: The Making of Dylann Roof," 21 Aug. 2017
My youngest daughter is African American, adopted from Ethiopia, and in alt-right circles that’s an unforgivable sin.

— conor friedersdorf, The Atlantic, "How to Win Friends and Stigmatize Nazis," 17 Aug. 2017
Though in both the books and the HBO series Jaime Lannister starts from the same, seemingly unforgivable, Bran-pushing place, his redemption arc is much cleaner (though by no means clean) in the novels.

— joanna robinson, HWD, "Game of Thrones: Why Jaime Lannister Can’t Die . . . Yet," 6 Aug. 2017
Actually, there is one other thing that’s unforgivable.

— mick lasalle, kansascity, "‘The Dark Tower’ is a towering failure," 3 Aug. 2017
Arcel does commit a major emotional mistake with the ending that is unforgivable.

— rick bentley, star-telegram, "‘The Dark Tower’ presents a pale take on King’s story," 3 Aug. 2017
Arcel does commit a major emotional mistake with the ending that is unforgivable.

— rick bentley, idahostatesman, "‘The Dark Tower’ pale version of King’s story," 3 Aug. 2017
Perhaps, in Mr Xi’s eyes, that was his unforgivable offence.

— The Economist, "Liu Xiaobo’s former comradesXi Jinping keeps hundreds in prison for peaceful dissent," 15 July 2017
An inexplicably gentle euphemism for unforgivable stupidity.

— jared gall, Car and Driver, "The Car and Driver Guide to Automotive Bullsh!t," 3 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unforgivable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of unforgivable

1548

unforgivable Synonyms

Synonyms

indefensible, inexpiable, insupportable, inexcusable, unjustifiable, unpardonable, unwarrantable

Antonyms

defensible, excusable, forgivable, justifiable, pardonable, venial

Near Antonyms

acceptable, tolerable; authorized, legal, permissible; allowed, permitted, tolerated; approved, endorsed (also indorsed), sanctioned; abetted, encouraged, promoted, supported; ethical, good, moral, virtuous

UNFORGIVABLE Defined for Kids

unforgivable

adjective un·for·giv·able \ ˌən-fər-ˈgi-və-bəl \

Definition of unforgivable for Students

:not to be forgiven or pardoned

an unforgivable crime

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unforgivably

\-blē\ adverb

unforgivably rude

Learn More about unforgivable

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unforgivable Spanish Central: Translation of unforgivable Nglish: Translation of unforgivable for Spanish speakers

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unforgivable

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unforgivably

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UNFORGIVABLE Defined for Kids

unforgivable

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