Meaning & Definition of word "Unforgiving"

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.