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

The expedition revealed methane-producing microbes and marine invertebrates that make their home in unforgiving conditions where the sun’s rays don’t reach, according to a new study. —Marlowe Starling, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2025

This same unforgiving strategic discipline made RedBird formidable in sports and entertainment. —Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2025

Still, many CEOs prefer a 14 percent cost of capital that preserves ownership over a 35 percent down round in an unforgiving venture market. —Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Proud that he’s adapted and survived for so long in an unforgiving game. —James Boyd, New York Times, 30 July 2025

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