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 Words From

• unfor·giving·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unforgiving¹

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

Example Sentences

Referees are already under pressure and an unforgiving microscope.

From BBC

“The science on climate change is unforgiving, with every year of delay locking in more costs and more irreversible changes, and everyday people paying the steepest price.”

From Salon

But all of those who spent last week scrapping for their cards are highly skilled golfers trying to cope with the unique pressures of an unforgiving individual sport.

From BBC

But, the tournament's format is unforgiving and one slip can cost you - they may have only lost one game, but so had their opponents, and they were not ruthless enough.

From BBC

The challenge is to stretch that identity and intent over a longer period, all on the unforgiving stage of international football.

From BBC

Related Words

• cruel
• heartless
• relentless
• ruthless
• unrelenting