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 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

But New York’s media-political circus is a particularly unforgiving place. —Max Tani, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2025

The storyline follows soldiers Heikki and Pauli who take their first steps toward adulthood in the unforgiving expanse of the Arctic Circle, and interpreter Saara Vainio who leaves her husband for German officer Duisberg, defying both convention and country. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025

Limited food, poor sleep and unforgiving heat pushed the Hina tribe's mental bounds. —Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 23 Oct. 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