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

Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror classic, which won the Academy Award for visual effects and spawned an enduring franchise, turns the commercial towing vessel Nostromo — essentially a tug-hauling cargo ship — into something claustrophobic and unforgiving. —Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026

Underneath the banner outside the local NBC station, what was once a fresh bouquet is now dried out, much like the rest of the unforgiving desert landscape. —Celina Tebor, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026

These young graduates start out naive about the heartlessness of the corporate world and harbor illusory hopes for success in unforgiving professions. —George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026

Playing point guard for Dan Hurley – especially as a reserve – can be an unforgiving experience. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026

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