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.
But as Natalia is thrust into an unforgiving world and forced to grow up too fast, Reid’s performance takes on a world-weary tone. Alison Herman, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025 Hospitality, particularly, is unforgiving for women with children. Anna Lee Iijima, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025 The Orpheum, though, is an unforgiving shotgun apartment of a theater, its stage stranded far from most of the audience. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2025 The closings are driven by weak consumer demand, inflation, and investor expectations inside an increasingly unforgiving business environment. Chris Westfall, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unforgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforgiving. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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