Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Unforgivable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ก
Add to dictionary

unforgivable

[หŒสŒn.fษ™หˆษกษชv.ษ™.bษ™l ]

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?

arrow down
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?

arrow down
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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'unforgivable'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'unforgivable' originated in the 15th century, combining the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'forgivable', which comes from the verb 'forgive'. The concept of something being unforgivable has been present in various cultures and religions throughout history, often tied to the idea of moral or ethical standards that cannot be compromised.

See also: forgiveness, forgiving, forgivingly, unforgivably, unforgiving, unforgivingly, unforgivingness.

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.