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
Both Abby and Ellie experience an unforgiving, post-apocalyptic world,overcome by grief and anger.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
Many brands are moving away from the unforgiving fits of the past.
—Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2025
The Kings are holding onto a Play-In Tournament spot in the unforgiving Western Conference, but that’s only because the Phoenix Suns have cratered.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Through 53 miles of relentless blizzard, Balto pressed on — plowing through snow drifts, skating over frozen rivers, pushing against unforgiving winds.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unforgiving
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.
Barry Levitt, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
Many brands are moving away from the unforgiving fits of the past.
—Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2025
The Kings are holding onto a Play-In Tournament spot in the unforgiving Western Conference, but that’s only because the Phoenix Suns have cratered.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Through 53 miles of relentless blizzard, Balto pressed on — plowing through snow drifts, skating over frozen rivers, pushing against unforgiving winds.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unforgiving
Cite this Entry
“Unforgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforgiving. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share