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Unforgiving: meaning, definitions and examples

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unforgiving

 

[ˌʌn.fəˈɡɪv.ɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a situation or towards a person

Not willing to forgive or show mercy; harsh and unrelenting

Synonyms

merciless, pitiless, ruthless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unforgiving

Similar to the first context provided for 'unforgiving.'

  • The teacher's unforgiving grading policy left no room for error
merciless

This word describes someone who shows no mercy or compassion, especially in situations involving harm or punishment.

  • The merciless king ordered the execution of all rebels
  • The criticism from the audience was merciless
ruthless

This word is used for someone who is willing to be harsh and aggressive to achieve their goals, often at the expense of others.

  • The ruthless CEO cut jobs to increase profits
  • In sports, only the most ruthless competitors survive
pitiless

Use 'pitiless' for describing someone with a complete lack of pity, often in situations where pity might be expected.

  • The pitiless winter left many homeless
  • His pitiless stare made everyone uncomfortable

Examples of usage

  • She was known for her unforgiving attitude towards mistakes.
  • The unforgiving weather made it difficult to continue the journey.
Context #2 | Adjective

in terms of a task or standard

Not allowing mistakes or faults; strict and demanding

Synonyms

demanding, rigorous, stringent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unforgiving

This word is used to describe a situation, person, or environment that is harsh or merciless and offers no leniency. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • The desert is an unforgiving environment for those who are unprepared
  • The coach has an unforgiving attitude toward mistakes
demanding

Use this word when describing tasks, people, or situations that require a lot of effort, attention, or resources. It can have both neutral and slightly negative connotations.

  • Her boss is very demanding, expecting her to stay late and work weekends
  • The project is demanding but manageable
rigorous

This word is appropriate for describing processes, standards, or training that is thorough, precise, and very strict. It often has a positive connotation, implying thoroughness and seriousness.

  • The scientists conducted rigorous testing before releasing the new drug
  • The school has a rigorous academic program
stringent

This word describes rules, regulations, or requirements that are very strict and exacting. It usually has a negative or formal connotation.

  • The new safety regulations are quite stringent
  • There are stringent controls on the release of confidential information

Examples of usage

  • The unforgiving nature of the exam meant that only the most prepared students passed.
  • The unforgiving standards of the industry made it challenging for newcomers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'unforgiving' is a combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'forgiving', which originates from the Old English 'forgiefan', meaning 'to give up or remit'.
  • The word first appeared in the English language in the late 1600s, reflecting a societal view on strictness and accountability.

Psychology

  • People who are perceived as unforgiving may struggle with emotional regulation, making it hard for them to let go of negative feelings.
  • Studies indicate that practicing forgiveness can lead to better mental health, which contrasts with an unforgiving mindset that often leads to stress.

Literature

  • Unforgiving characters often appear in classic literature as tragic figures, embodying themes of revenge, jealousy, or moral rigidity.
  • In Shakespeare’s works, characters such as Hamlet wrestle with unforgiving emotions and the repercussions of their actions.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have varying views on forgiveness, with some valuing it highly, while others may see being unforgiving as a sign of strength.
  • In many religions, the act of forgiveness is key to spiritual health, making the concept of unforgiving behavior more complex.

Pop Culture

  • Numerous movies and songs explore themes of being unforgiving towards past wrongs, often leading to dramatic confrontations and revelations.
  • Popular phrases like 'forgive but never forget' highlight the struggle between forgiveness and unforgiving tendencies in relationships.

Translations

Translations of the word "unforgiving" in other languages:

🇵🇹 implacável

🇮🇳 निर्मम

🇩🇪 gnadenlos

🇮🇩 tak kenal ampun

🇺🇦 невблаганний

🇵🇱 nieubłagany

🇯🇵 容赦ない (ようしゃない)

🇫🇷 impitoyable

🇪🇸 implacable

🇹🇷 amansız

🇰🇷 용서 없는

🇸🇦 لا يرحم

🇨🇿 nekompromisní

🇸🇰 neúprosný

🇨🇳 无情的 (wúqíng de)

🇸🇮 neizprosen

🇮🇸 ófyrirgefanlegur

🇰🇿 аяусыз

🇬🇪 უშეღავათო

🇦🇿 amansız

🇲🇽 implacable

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,479, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.