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.
The brand became known for long-wearing, highly pigmented cosmetics that held up not only through long days, but under the unforgiving glare of flash photography, too. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 For Diversity Visa applicants, the clock is especially unforgiving. — María Luisa Paúl, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Her main duties were to report any works of art that painted Russia in an unforgiving light. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 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 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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