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

Balan’s Manjulika, a 19th century royal court dancer who returns as an unforgiving spirit to avenge her murder, strikes a balance between fragility and fury. —Sunil Sadarangani, Deadline, 20 May 2025

Bottom line Investors weren't expecting much from Home Depot's headline first-quarter numbers, given unforgiving weather in February and the dark cloud of tariff uncertainty raining on March and April. —Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 20 May 2025

Confronting her greatest fears is something that Merhige has done time and again while swimming in some of the world’s most challenging and unforgiving waters. —George Ramsay, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025

Being unforgiving of awkwardness on a date in the initial stages preempts the chance of going deeper and getting to know each other better. —Myisha Battle, Time, 29 Apr. 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