Meaning & Definition of word "Unforgiving"
to
Unforgiving
/ˌʌnfəˈɡɪvɪŋ/
adjective:
- 1. Not willing to forgive or excuse someone's mistakes or wrongdoings.
- Example: His unforgiving nature made it difficult for anyone to approach him after a conflict.
- 2. Harsh or severe; not allowing for error or weakness.
- Example: The unforgiving terrain of the mountain range posed a challenge to even the most experienced climbers.
- 3. Relentless in pursuit of a goal or standard, often without compassion.
- Example: Her unforgiving dedication to perfection left little room for mistakes among her team.
Etymology
Derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'forgiving' from Old English 'forgiefan', meaning 'to give up resentment'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
an unforgiving task:
a task that is very difficult and offers no leeway for error.
an unforgiving environment:
an environment that is extremely harsh and difficult to survive in.
unforgiving memories:
memories that are painful and impossible to forget.
Related Words
forgive:
to stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone for an offense or mistake.
relentless:
showing or promising no abatement of intensity, strength, or pace.
Slang Meanings of unforgiving
Meaning: brutal
Example Sentence: The competition was brutal; it left no room for errors.
Meaning: cutthroat
Example Sentence: Their cutthroat business tactics were unforgiving to their rivals.