unforgiving
Americanadjective
-
not disposed to forgive or show mercy; unrelenting.
-
not allowing for mistakes, carelessness, or weakness.
the unforgiving nature of aviation.
adjective
-
not willing to forgive; unmerciful
-
(of a machine, system, etc) allowing little or no opportunity for mistakes to be corrected
-
harsh and unremitting
an unforgiving and desolate landscape
Other Word Forms
- unforgivingness noun
Etymology
Origin of unforgiving
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It is a relentless and unforgiving job, so rest and recovery are essential, to make positive, correct decisions.
From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026
Addressing the Australian parliament on Tuesday, von der Leyen described a world that was "brutal, harsh and unforgiving".
From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026
But on the internet, it’s the TV show where the world’s most attractive people somehow look even better, defying the odds of a famously unforgiving medium.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026
Beattie says that, amid unforgiving moments, Galthie could also create occasions away from rugby to draw his team together.
From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026
“Bruno was bullied and ostracized, alone and afraid. The city was a large and unforgiving place. Especially for those who seemed different. Especially for those who had no family, no community.”
From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
