unpardonable

adjective

un·​par·​don·​able

ˌən-ˈpärd-nə-bəl,

-ˈpär-dᵊn-ə-bəl 

: too bad to be pardoned or forgiven : not pardonable : unforgivable

unpardonable behavior

an unpardonable sin

unpardonably

ˌən-ˈpärd-nə-blē

-ˈpär-dᵊn-ə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• indefensible
• inexcusable
• inexpiable
• insupportable
• unforgivable
• unjustifiable
• unwarrantable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

In a nation whose story emphasizes progress and always moving forward, such a refusal was an unpardonable sin, a punishable lapse. —Michael T. Bertrand, CNN, 16 Jan. 2023

In a time of war, laughter — even of the wryest kind — can feel like an unpardonable luxury. —Jessica Kiang, Variety, 7 Oct. 2022

There are two unpardonable sins for a running back in the Ravens’ offense: fumbling and failing to pass block. —Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2022

That’s when he officially was nailed by MLB cops for betting on Major League games (including on his Reds) while managing, which violated what always has been the game’s unpardonable sin. —Terence Moore, Forbes, 23 Apr. 2022

What is condemnable, despicable & unpardonable is his being subjected to [two] complaints. —NBC News, 18 Nov. 2021

The hot team appears to be Tennessee, which has won three straight since its unpardonable sin of losing to the New York Jets, 27-24, in overtime Oct. 3. —Mike Preston, baltimoresun.com, 28 Oct. 2021

The Dodgers have scored two or fewer runs in five of their 10 postseason games, but their latest display of futility was especially unpardonable. —Dylan Hernández Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2021

Development of farmland by Japanese settlers led to statewide discrimination against the Japanese and ultimately to their wartime incarceration, one of the most unpardonable episodes in California, and American, history. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2021

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Word History

First Known Use

1525, in the meaning defined above