unforgiving

adjective

un·​for·​giv·​ing ˌən-fər-ˈgi-viŋ How to pronounce unforgiving (audio)
1
: unwilling or unable to forgive
2
: having or making no allowance for error or weakness
an unforgiving environment where false moves can prove fatalJaclyn 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Today’s business environment looks less like a traditional office and more like professional athletics, high-pressure, high-stakes and unforgiving of mistakes. Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025 While intended to streamline boarding and ensure overhead bin space is used efficiently, the sizers became notorious for sparking last-minute bag checks and heated exchanges as passengers attempted to squeeze their luggage into the unforgiving metal templates. AFAR Media, 16 Oct. 2025 The firings, initially tallied at more than 4,000, cast a wide and unforgiving net across many federal agencies, including nearly everyone in the Education Department's special education division. Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025 Matters of the heart — and, naturally, the stomach — are well-trod territory for the Guest Chefs, but money matters are not always intuitive in the unforgiving restaurant industry. Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unforgiving

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unforgiving was in 1713

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Cite this Entry

“Unforgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforgiving. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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