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
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
However, the recent crypto rout has been unforgiving.
—Nishant Pant, CNBC, 2 Dec. 2025
His team’s form, in light of the challenges from the summer and lack of squad evolution, all within the most intense and unforgiving league in the world, is startling.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025
Hoka Women’s Transport City dwellers will love the stylish and comfortable Hoka Transport sneakers, which help relieve some of the pain caused by walking on unforgiving pavement each day.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025
The unforgiving terrain of the desert brings about a whole new set of dangerous complications, such as the risk of dehydration and other health issues.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unforgiving
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Nishant Pant, CNBC, 2 Dec. 2025
His team’s form, in light of the challenges from the summer and lack of squad evolution, all within the most intense and unforgiving league in the world, is startling.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025
Hoka Women’s Transport City dwellers will love the stylish and comfortable Hoka Transport sneakers, which help relieve some of the pain caused by walking on unforgiving pavement each day.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025
The unforgiving terrain of the desert brings about a whole new set of dangerous complications, such as the risk of dehydration and other health issues.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unforgiving
Cite this Entry
“Unforgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforgiving. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.
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