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

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

Gymnastics is one of the most unforgiving and unpredictable sports. —Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

At its height, the nu-metal scene — dominated by cisgender white men— was seen as unforgiving, dangerous, and intolerant of women and people of color. —Jessi Roti, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025

The stretchy, quick-drying fabric is the key to comfort as the weather heats up, while the looser fit won’t leave you feeling restricted by unforgiving fabric. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 30 Mar. 2025

These Americans tried to maintain some sense of normalcy amid harsh conditions in the unforgiving desert. —Rachel Ng, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unforgiving

• almsgiving
• caregiving
• forgiving
• misgiving
• nonliving
• reliving
• thanksgiving
• giving
• living
• sieving