unforgiving

[uhn-fer-giv-ing]

adjective

1. not disposed to forgive or show mercy; unrelenting.

2. not allowing for mistakes, carelessness, or weakness.

   the unforgiving nature of aviation.

unforgiving

/ ˌʌnfəˈɡɪvɪŋ /

adjective

1. not willing to forgive; unmerciful

2. (of a machine, system, etc) allowing little or no opportunity for mistakes to be corrected

3. harsh and unremitting

   an unforgiving and desolate landscape

Other Word Forms

• unforgivingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unforgiving¹

First recorded in 1705–15; un- ¹ + forgiving

Example Sentences

Crews salvaged much of the original structure but replaced the damaged section with fiber-reinforced polymer in the hope of making the span stronger and more resilient to its unforgiving environment.

From Los Angeles Times

He works hard for his laughs, sometimes too hard, but he’s an endearing imp — an overwhelmed freelancer trying to survive the unforgiving gig economy of his age.

From Los Angeles Times

The search effort over the harsh, unforgiving landscape of the western Waitomo region had cost New Zealand authorities hundreds of thousands of dollars.

From BBC

This will be done against the knowledge that any error will be seized upon and judgement will be instant and unforgiving.

From BBC

One rider, though - if they do not improve and United look as lost and hopeless as they did under Amorim at stages last season, he will swiftly be under a very unforgiving microscope.

From BBC

Related Words

• cruel 
• heartless 
• relentless 
• ruthless 
• unrelenting