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

When fire strikes, homeowners can find the circumstances unforgiving.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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Related Words

• cruel 
• heartless 
• relentless 
• ruthless 
• unrelenting