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

What the late Ka did to build resolve against the unforgiving brutalities of Brownsville, Marci combines with the flair of a Bond villain and contempt for anyone attempting to copy his mold. —Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 28 Jan. 2026

The 2026 leadership environment is unforgiving. —Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Analysts say this gridlock makes comprehensive reforms—such as overhauling the tax code, adjusting entitlement programs, or adopting binding budget rules—politically difficult even as the math grows more unforgiving. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026

The schedule doesn’t care about embarrassment, and the league is too unforgiving to sulk. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 22 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