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

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

But the film business can be unforgiving — many companies operating when Bleecker launched, or founded shortly thereafter, such as Broad Green and Relativity, have closed shop. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2026

By sharing their journeys with such honesty and courage, Dec, Dan and Saskia revealed the reality of rebuilding a life after stroke, and the truth behind the long and unforgiving journey to reclaim the right to live an independent life. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026

The leadership of the Board of Regents is also cast in an unforgiving light. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

Every other Saturday in my childhood involved trips down to Somerset Park on the train to watch part-time soccer players battle the unforgiving wind and rain of the west coast of Scotland. — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unforgiving

• almsgiving
• caregiving
• forgiving
• misgiving
• nonliving
• reliving
• thanksgiving
• giving
• living
• sieving