Unforgivable: meaning, definitions and examples

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unforgivable

[ˌʌn.fəˈɡɪv.ə.bəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

crime

Not able to be forgiven or excused; inexcusable. Something that is unforgivable is considered so bad that it cannot be forgiven or excused.

Synonyms

inexcusable, unjustifiable, unpardonable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unforgivable	When referring to actions or behaviors that are so bad they cannot be forgiven. This term often implies a personal or emotional betrayal. What he did to her was unforgivable; she could never trust him again. The betrayal of a close friend can sometimes feel unforgivable.
inexcusable	For actions or mistakes that are seen as having no justification or reason, often used in formal or serious contexts. His conduct at the meeting was inexcusable and deeply unprofessional. The mistake in the report was inexcusable given the importance of the document.
unpardonable	Very similar to 'unforgivable', but often used in a more formal or legal context. It means that an action is so serious that it cannot be pardoned. His betrayal was considered an unpardonable offense by the community. In many cultures, certain crimes are deemed unpardonable and merit severe punishment.
unjustifiable	To describe actions or decisions that cannot be justified by any rationale or reasoning, often in ethical or legal contexts. The use of excessive force by the police was unjustifiable. Spending the entire budget on a lavish party was an unjustifiable decision.

Examples of usage

It was an unforgivable mistake that cost him his job.
She committed an unforgivable crime that shocked the entire community.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

behavior

Deserving of condemnation or censure; too bad to be excused. Behavior that is unforgivable is considered so wrong or harmful that it cannot be excused.

Synonyms

blameworthy, condemnable, reprehensible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unforgivable	Used when describing actions or behavior that cannot be forgiven because they are extremely wrong or harmful. Cheating on an exam is an unforgivable act Betraying a close friend is often seen as unforgivable
condemnable	Best used to describe actions or behavior that deserve strong disapproval or denunciation, often used in formal or serious contexts. The government's disregard for human rights is condemnable Their actions towards the environment are undeniably condemnable
reprehensible	Used to describe actions or behavior that are very bad and deserve criticism or condemnation, often used in more formal contexts. The politician's misuse of funds was highly reprehensible Lying to the public is a reprehensible act
blameworthy	Appropriate when indicating that someone is deserving of blame or responsibility for a negative action or outcome. The manager's oversight of safety protocols was blameworthy for the accident His negligence in the project was clearly blameworthy

Examples of usage

His unforgivable actions led to the breakup of their friendship.
The way she treated her employees was unforgivable.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word combines the prefix 'un-', meaning not, with 'forgivable', which comes from the Old English 'forgiefan', meaning to give up or let go.
First recorded use of 'unforgivable' in English dates back to the late 14th century, emphasizing severe wrongdoing.

Literature

In literature, characters often face unforgivable actions, leading to major plot developments, such as betrayal or deep moral dilemmas.
Many classic novels depict themes of unforgivable acts, exploring the consequences of sins and the quest for redemption.

Psychology

The concept can lead to feelings of anger and resentment, which can hinder emotional healing and personal growth.
Forgiveness is often discussed in psychological contexts as a way to relieve emotional burden, highlighting the weight of unforgivable actions.

Pop Culture

Movies often depict characters struggling with unforgivable decisions, showcasing the complexity of human emotions and relationships.
The term has been popularized in music and film, often used to describe a turning point in a storyline or emotional struggle.

Philosophy

Philosophers have debated the nature of forgiveness, questioning whether there truly are actions that are unforgivable in moral terms.
Some argue that labeling an act as unforgivable can lead to a rigid moral framework, while others see it as a necessary ethical boundary.

Translations

Translations of the word "unforgivable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imperdoável

🇮🇳 अक्षम्य

🇩🇪 unverzeihlich

🇮🇩 tidak termaafkan

🇺🇦 непрощенний

🇵🇱 niewybaczalny

🇯🇵 許しがたい

🇫🇷 impardonnable

🇪🇸 imperdonable

🇹🇷 affedilemez

🇰🇷 용서할 수 없는

🇸🇦 لا يُغتَفَر

🇨🇿 neodpustitelný

🇸🇰 neodpustiteľný

🇨🇳 不可原谅的

🇸🇮 neodpustljivo

🇮🇸 ófyrirgefanlegt

🇰🇿 кешірілмейтін

🇬🇪 მიუტევებელი

🇦🇿 bağışlanmaz

🇲🇽 imperdonable

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,439, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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28436 crucify
28437 instigating
28438 interchanging
28439 unforgivable
28440 eccentrics
28441 dialectal
28442 candelabra
...