unforgiving

1 of 2

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

unforgivingness

2 of 2

noun

un·​forgivingness

"+

: the quality or state of being unforgiving : implacability, vindictiveness

the unforgivingness of passionate hearts

—John Galsworthy

Examples of unforgiving in a Sentence

Adjective

They are unforgiving of the smallest mistake.

the unforgiving world of politics

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Netflix’s decade-plus run of TV dominance means Wall Street and others judge it on an unforgiving curve, and when issues crop up — like this last stretch of mediocre ratings — folks are going to take notice. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 16 July 2026

But this is also the quirkiest, most unforgiving surface in the sport. — Nick Pachelli, Time, 11 July 2026

Singapore Airlines competes in one of the most unforgiving industries on earth. — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

The production workflows where industrial AI can be deployed are equally unforgiving. — Amit Chaturvedy, Fortune, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

unforgiving + -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unforgiving

• almsgiving
• caregiving
• forgiving
• misgiving
• nonliving
• reliving
• thanksgiving
• giving
• living
• sieving