unforgiving

adjective

un·​for·​giv·​ing ˌən-fər-ˈgi-viŋ How to pronounce unforgiving (audio)
1
: unwilling or unable to forgive
2
: having or making no allowance for error or weakness
an unforgiving environment where false moves can prove fatalJaclyn 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.
Many sociologists attribute the plunging birth rates to Japan’s unforgiving work culture and rising costs of living. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 6 Dec. 2024 Mutual friends have accused the poster of being unforgiving and have pleaded with him to take her back. Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 Staff Pick: Some migrant deaths on the border aren’t being recorded John Moore / Getty Images file In the unforgiving Arizona desert, the searing heat or the frigid temperatures can be deadly for thousands of people who cross the border. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024 Reserve Carry-On This sleek carry-on is made of durable polycarbonate with full-grain leather accents, so it's built to stand up to unforgiving travel days while maintaining its elegance every step of the way. Susan Brickell, Travel + Leisure, 30 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near unforgiving

Cite this Entry

“Unforgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforgiving. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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