unpardonable

adjective

un·​par·​don·​able
ˌən-ˈpärd-nə-bəl,
-ˈpär-dᵊn-ə-bəl How to pronounce unpardonable (audio)
: too bad to be pardoned or forgiven : not pardonable : unforgivable
unpardonable behavior
an unpardonable sin
unpardonably
ˌən-ˈpärd-nə-blē
-ˈpär-dᵊn-ə-blē How to pronounce unpardonable (audio)
adverb

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 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unpardonable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1525, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unpardonable was in 1525

Dictionary Entries Near unpardonable

Cite this Entry

“Unpardonable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unpardonable. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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