unforgiving

American  

[uhn-fer-giv-ing] / ˌʌn fərˈgɪv ɪŋ /

adjective

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

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

   the unforgiving nature of aviation.

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unforgiving British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• unforgivingness noun

Etymology

Origin of unforgiving

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

Example Sentences

Even under perfect conditions—i.e., in controlled research—the math of one exit is unforgiving.

From The Wall Street Journal

This time, she would be competing against a legion of other job seekers in an unforgiving market.

From The Wall Street Journal

The result is a market where foreign brands are no longer losing because China is “closed” but because it has become intensely competitive — and unforgiving to those that fail to adapt.

From MarketWatch

Whitney, a mountain both inviting and unforgiving in its margin for errors.

From Los Angeles Times

"White can feel stark and unforgiving and you don't want your home to give hospital vibes."

From BBC

Related Words

• cruel
• heartless
• relentless
• ruthless
• unrelenting