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

For others, the math is grimmer with student debt, an unforgiving housing market, fewer social safety nets and the enduring financial penalties of having children. — Grace Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

The discovery opens the door to a new generation of resilient materials built for the universe’s most unforgiving environments. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026

Zero margin for error Back on Earth, the team faces an unforgiving timeline. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Exec produced by Sylvester Stallone and filmed in British Columbia, the show challenges ordinary people to survive alone in an unforgiving wilderness with no training, no supplies, and no contact with the outside world. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 Oct. 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