unforgiving

adjective

un·​for·​giv·​ing ˌən-fər-ˈgi-viŋ 

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 noun

Examples of unforgiving in a Sentence

They are unforgiving of the smallest mistake.

the unforgiving world of politics

Recent Examples on the Web

Otherwise, competition with Chinese players can be brutally unforgiving—not just on their home turf, but increasingly overseas as well. —Joe Ngai, Fortune, 11 Jan. 2026

Known for his spare, unforgiving style and darkly comic fatalistic sensibility, along with his penchant for leather jackets, lots of smoking and a deadpan sense of humor, Tarr was a quintessential arthouse filmmaker. —Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026

This period of our history will eventually be judged, and the verdict will be unforgiving—because Thrasymachus was wrong. —Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2026

Dropped into an unforgiving, remote location, a group of strangers will live together under one roof, and face mind-blowing stunts, harrowing challenges and a twisted game of social strategy where trust is fleeting — and fear is a weapon. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unforgiving

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