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

Laced with Horgan’s signature combination of unsparing honesty and sparkling wit, Youth is a fleet and frisky reminder that growing into yourself is a lifelong endeavor. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026

The first film written and directed by Chris Rock since 2014, ‘Misty Green’ is an unsparing look at contemporary Hollywood. — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

That is a sharp, unsparing, and highly accurate critique of the direction consumer technology is moving. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026

The boy on the ground is Thomas Cromwell, who will one day be Lord Privy Seal and the unsparing architect of the English Reformation. — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 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
• timesharing
• uncaring
• unerring

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