unforgiving

adjective un·for·giv·ing \ ˌən-fər-ˈgi-viŋ \

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

noun

See unforgiving defined for English-language learners

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

Meanwhile, Saban is entering season No. 16 in the most demanding, suffocating, unforgiving league in the land.

— kevin scarbinsky, AL.com, "Nick Saban's 'failures' keep him going, Alabama winning," 23 Aug. 2017
Of course, Twitter and social media are an unforgiving venue.

— joe robertson, kansascity, "In the Charlottesville aftermath, people demand to politicians: Call it what it is," 13 Aug. 2017
Such constraints are not always sensible—think of the unforgiving fetters of the gold standard, for example.

— The Economist, "The power of populists," 20 July 2017
The five-course seasonal menu costs 185 euros ($211) and the wine list is unforgiving.

— ian wishart, Bloomberg.com, "So You're a Brexit Negotiator in Brussels? Here's Where to Drink," 15 July 2017
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.

— mike hutton, Post-Tribune, "Hutton: A Post-Tribune sports columnist looks back at 20," 30 June 2017
A forced return like the one reported in Cameroon emblemizes the most extreme and unforgiving reaction to those searching for safe haven.

— kevin sieff, Washington Post, "They fled Boko Haram and famine — and then they were forced back," 28 June 2017
Most became cattle ranchers, the only logical choice in this unforgiving region.

— mike sager, Smithsonian, "Will the Public Ever Get to See the “Dueling Dinosaurs”?," 28 June 2017
From a physical standpoint, what happens to this passenger is immediate and unforgiving.

— marco della cava, USA TODAY, "Review: Bugatti's Chiron supercar is $3M of 'Hold on!'," 23 June 2017

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

adjective

Definition of unforgiving for English Language Learners

: not willing to forgive other people
: very harsh or difficult : not allowing weakness, error, etc.

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unforgiving

Definition of unforgiving

unforgivingness

Examples of unforgiving in a Sentence

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First Known Use of unforgiving

UNFORGIVING Defined for English Language Learners

unforgiving

Definition of unforgiving for English Language Learners

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unforgiving

Definition of unforgiving

unforgivingness

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Examples of unforgiving in a Sentence

Recent Examples of unforgiving from the Web

First Known Use of unforgiving

UNFORGIVING Defined for English Language Learners

unforgiving

Definition of unforgiving for English Language Learners

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