unforgiving
adjective
un·for·giv·ing
ˌən-fər-ˈgi-viŋ 
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
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
How else to explain the sudden drop into an unforgiving landscape?
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
Bryant Wehmeyer, from the farming town of Jamaica, Iowa, described his childhood as austere and unforgiving.
—Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
The weeks surrounding the winter solstice — Dec. 21 — have little light, and can seem bleak and unforgiving.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
Along the way, Henry encounters new enemies and familiar allies, with the dynamic between Henry and Hans being fun and comedic, a welcome change in tone to the game’s unforgiving setting.
—George Yang, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unforgiving 
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Erin Qualey, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
Bryant Wehmeyer, from the farming town of Jamaica, Iowa, described his childhood as austere and unforgiving.
—Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
The weeks surrounding the winter solstice — Dec. 21 — have little light, and can seem bleak and unforgiving.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
Along the way, Henry encounters new enemies and familiar allies, with the dynamic between Henry and Hans being fun and comedic, a welcome change in tone to the game’s unforgiving setting.
—George Yang, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unforgiving
Dictionary Entries Near unforgiving
Cite this Entry
“Unforgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforgiving. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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