unsparing

adjective

un·​spar·​ing ˌən-ˈsper-iŋ 

1

: not merciful or forbearing : hard, ruthless

an unsparing satire

an unsparing critic

2

: not frugal : liberal, profuse

unsparing generosity

unsparingly

ˌən-ˈsper-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• bighearted
• bounteous
• bountiful
• charitable
• free
• freehanded
• freehearted
• fulsome
• generous
• liberal
• munificent
• open
• openhanded
• unselfish
• unstinting

Examples of unsparing in a Sentence

neighbors were unsparing in their charity when a local family was rendered homeless by a fire

unsparing in his criticism of the welfare state

Recent Examples on the Web

These people are concerned about losing their jobs, tarnishing their reputations and the threat of violence that might come from Ito subjecting herself to an unsparing public. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2024

But Gordon Ramsay represented a more uncomfortable personality: difficult, unsparing, brash, exacting. —Alex French, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2024

The prime minister's speech was a remarkable break from the past, both because of its unsparing praise of Japanese troops and for its blunt declaration that the SDF is not simply a relief agency but a fighting force that needs to be prepared for rising regional challenges. —Takashi Yokota, Foreign Affairs, 17 Oct. 2012

Nowhere is the museum more unsparing than in sizing up the Academy’s own history. —Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 17 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

unsparing

adjective

un·​spar·​ing ˌən-ˈspa(ə)r-iŋ 

-ˈspe(ə)r-,

ˈən-

1

: not merciful or forgiving : hard, ruthless

unsparing attacks

2

: not stingy : liberal

unsparing in their gifts to charity

unsparingly adverb