unsparing

adjective

un·​spar·​ing ˌən-ˈsper-iŋ 

1

: not merciful or forbearing : hard, ruthless

an unsparing satire

an unsparing critic

2

: not frugal : liberal, profuse

unsparing generosity

unsparingly

ˌən-ˈsper-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of unsparing

• generous
• charitable

Examples of unsparing in a Sentence

neighbors were unsparing in their charity when a local family was rendered homeless by a fire

unsparing in his criticism of the welfare state

Recent Examples on the Web

On trade and geopolitics, Burke was equally unsparing. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 May 2026

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican who’s running for insurance commissioner, was unsparing in his criticism of Kelly’s decision to nix the one piece of substantive tax reform approved in 2026 by a Legislature bitterly divided over the best approach to delivering tax relief. —Matthew Kelly updated April 28, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026

The album has won wide acclaim for its collection of songs about love and death, horror and innocence, in words vulnerable, empathetic, but also blunt and unsparing. —Steve Appleford, SPIN, 23 Apr. 2026

But Hilton is now utterly unsparing in his criticism of California. —National Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unsparing

• childbearing
• comparing
• declaring
• despairing
• forbearing
• impairing
• preparing
• repairing
• ridesharing
• seafaring
• timesharing
• uncaring

Kids Definition

unsparing

adjective

un·​spar·​ing ˌən-ˈspa(ə)r-iŋ 

-ˈspe(ə)r-, 

ˈən-

1

: not merciful or forgiving : hard, ruthless

unsparing attacks

2

: not stingy : liberal

unsparing in their gifts to charity

unsparingly adverb