adj

unforgiving

Unforgiving (adj) means unwilling to forgive others or show mercy. Example: “His father was a harsh, unforgiving man.”

adj

Unwilling to forgive others or show mercy.

"His father was a harsh, unforgiving man."

Allowing no room for error; harsh or difficult.

"The desert's unforgiving heat killed three of the hikers."

"It's an unforgiving sport where one mistake can end your season."

How to use unforgiving

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNot willing to forgive, or (of a place, task, or activity) leaving no margin for error.

Common pairings

unforgiving terrain unforgiving climate unforgiving nature

Word forms

more unforgiving comparative, most unforgiving superlative

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His father was a harsh, _____ man.

Etymology

From un- + forgiving.

Rhymes for unforgiving

living giving diving driving striving thriving reviving reliving receiving surviving deceiving forgiving

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Frequently asked questions

What does “unforgiving” mean?

The word “unforgiving” means unwilling to forgive others or show mercy. In plain terms, not willing to forgive, or (of a place, task, or activity) leaving no margin for error.

How do you use “unforgiving” in a sentence?

Here is “unforgiving” used in a sentence: “His father was a harsh, unforgiving man.”

What part of speech is “unforgiving”?

“Unforgiving” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “unforgiving” have?

“Unforgiving” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unwilling to forgive others or show mercy.