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

Two women's alleged stalking of the McCanns was "cruel and unforgiving" and showed no sign of stopping, prosecutors told a trial.

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He's now front and centre in the glare of an unforgiving Glasgow spotlight.

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Beckett was famously unforgiving when it came to fiddling with his works; his estate would not likely countenance egregious diversions from the “Godot” text.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When fire strikes, homeowners can find the circumstances unforgiving.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

At its best, we understand why these people want to keep the lights on in a dark, unforgiving world.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cruel 
• heartless 
• relentless 
• ruthless 
• unrelenting