unforgiving

adjective

un·​for·​giv·​ing ˌən-fər-ˈgi-viŋ How to pronounce unforgiving (audio)
Synonyms of unforgivingnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Because if the ghost of Sylvia Plath can be read as a manifestation of Penelope’s sadness, she can also be read as a manifestation of Penelope’s own strength as a child charting an unfamiliar and unforgiving space. — Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026 Barcelona is an unforgiving place for any player, and Torres has received his share of criticism. — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 When shoppers lose their traction on slick, unforgiving floors, severe bruising, fractured wrists, spinal pain, and concussions are common results. — Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026 When the one sector doing the work starts decelerating, the arithmetic gets unforgiving quickly. — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unforgiving

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unforgiving was in 1713

Rhymes for unforgiving

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Browse Nearby Words

unforgiveness
unforgiving
unforgivingness
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Cite this Entry

“Unforgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforgiving. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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