unforgiving

1 of 2

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

unforgivingness

2 of 2

noun

un·​forgivingness
"+
: the quality or state of being unforgiving : implacability, vindictiveness
the unforgivingness of passionate hearts—John Galsworthy

Examples of unforgiving in a Sentence

Adjective They are unforgiving of the smallest mistake. the unforgiving world of politics
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Struggling with both the unforgiving ocean and the unforgiving crew, Hákon must adapt to a brutal environment governed by its own rules. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026 For generations, Hollywood has perpetuated an image of the American cowboy as a rugged, solitary white man riding across an unforgiving frontier. — Robert Lang, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026 Turtlenecks also often tangle my hair into unforgiving knots because of their super-high necklines. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2026 For others, the math is grimmer with student debt, an unforgiving housing market, fewer social safety nets and the enduring financial penalties of having children. — Grace Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unforgiving

Word History

Etymology

Noun

unforgiving + -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unforgiving was in 1713

Rhymes for unforgiving

See All Rhymes for unforgiving

Browse Nearby Words

unforgiveness
unforgiving
unforgivingness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unforgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforgiving. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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