Definition of unforgiving
1 : unwilling or unable to forgive
2 : having or making no allowance for error or weakness an unforgiving environment where false moves can prove fatal — Jaclyn Fierman
unforgivingness
nounIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of unforgiving in a Sentence
They are unforgiving of the smallest mistake.
the unforgiving world of politics
Recent Examples of unforgiving from the Web
-
Such constraints are not always sensible—think of the unforgiving fetters of the gold standard, for example.
-
The five-course seasonal menu costs 185 euros ($211) and the wine list is unforgiving.
-
The Panthers, molded in the fearless image of their unforgiving, relentless coach Russ Radtke, rushed for 340 yards in a 49-7 victory over Hamilton Southeastern.
-
A forced return like the one reported in Cameroon emblemizes the most extreme and unforgiving reaction to those searching for safe haven.
-
Most became cattle ranchers, the only logical choice in this unforgiving region.
-
From a physical standpoint, what happens to this passenger is immediate and unforgiving.
-
Making movies like no one else currently working today, the filmmaker turns The Bad Batch into a hypnotic portrait of disparate pariahs finding love and kinship out on the unforgiving fringe.
-
While trying to navigate the unforgiving landscape, Arlen is captured by a savage band of cannibals led by the mysterious Miami Man.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unforgiving.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of unforgiving
1713
UNFORGIVING Defined for English Language Learners
unforgiving
playDefinition of unforgiving for English Language Learners
-
: not willing to forgive other people
-
: very harsh or difficult : not allowing weakness, error, etc.
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up unforgiving? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!