unsparing

[ uhn-spair-ing ]

adjective

1. not sparing; sparing; liberal or profuse; excessive.

   Synonyms: bountiful, lavish, generous

2. unmerciful; harsh; severe.

   Synonyms: relentless, unrelenting, merciless

unsparing

/ ʌnˈspɛərɪŋ /

adjective

1. not sparing or frugal; lavish; profuse
2. showing harshness or severity; unmerciful

Derived Forms

• unˈsparingly, adverb
• unˈsparingness, noun

Other Words From

• un·sparing·ly adverb
• un·sparing·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unsparing¹

First recorded in 1580–90; un- ¹ + sparing

Example Sentences

Maria Friedman’s unsparing direction and a thrillingly fierce central performance by Jonathan Groff have given the show the hard shell it lacked.

From New York Times

McAfee was unsparing in his criticism of Willis and Wade’s testimony and of their serious lapses of judgment.

From Salon

The former special counsel Robert K. Hur, denounced by Democrats for his unsparing description of President Biden’s memory lapses, had one of his own during his testimony on Tuesday before the House Judiciary Committee.

From New York Times

The San Francisco Daily Times in 1901 was unsparing as a scalpel.

From Los Angeles Times

Like any sharp-eyed social critic, Mr. Rader can also be unsparing.

From New York Times

Related Words

• ruthless