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

The heat is unforgiving and there are countless animals that could kill a human.

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It blew topsy-turvy in an eastward direction, borne by fate and the prevailing winds toward the wide, unforgiving sea.

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But its allure is being winnowed away by the noxious Russian thistle, the spread of which is entirely the fault of the ceaseless and unforgiving prairie wind.

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Where grassy banks had once lined roadways, an unforgiving expanse of pale gray concrete now stretched as far as the eye could see.

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Across the documentary, the same story repeats itself, of young singers with high hopes, thrust into an unforgiving industry.

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Related Words

• cruel 
• heartless 
• relentless 
• ruthless 
• unrelenting