unforgiving
adjective
un·for·giv·ing
ˌən-fər-ˈgi-viŋ 
1
: unwilling or unable to forgive
2
: having or making no allowance for error or weakness
… an unforgiving environment where false moves can prove fatal.—
Jaclyn Fierman
Jaclyn Fierman
unforgivingness
noun
Examples of unforgiving in a Sentence
They are unforgiving of the smallest mistake.
the unforgiving world of politics
Recent Examples on the Web
Setting the gems into each ceramic bezel is a very challenging endeavor, given that the material is super hard and unforgiving.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
History is unforgiving to those who ignore structural chokepoints, as seen during the 1956 Suez Canal Crisis which crippled European supply lines overnight, and the Tanker War of the 1980s, which forced vessels to pay exorbitant insurance premiums or face destruction.
—Siddharth Misra, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
On Erica and Eric Sawatzke’s Minnesota farm, the math of farming has grown increasingly unforgiving.
—Sheree R. Curry, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
Also, the unforgiving heat while shooting outdoor scenes wasn’t fun but also wasn’t a total negative, says Driver.
—Jim Halterman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unforgiving
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Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
History is unforgiving to those who ignore structural chokepoints, as seen during the 1956 Suez Canal Crisis which crippled European supply lines overnight, and the Tanker War of the 1980s, which forced vessels to pay exorbitant insurance premiums or face destruction.
—Siddharth Misra, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
On Erica and Eric Sawatzke’s Minnesota farm, the math of farming has grown increasingly unforgiving.
—Sheree R. Curry, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
Also, the unforgiving heat while shooting outdoor scenes wasn’t fun but also wasn’t a total negative, says Driver.
—Jim Halterman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unforgiving
Cite this Entry
“Unforgiving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unforgiving. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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