Unforgiving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
unforgiving
[หสn.fษหษกษชv.ษชล ]
Definitions
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?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
unforgiving |
Similar to the first context provided for 'unforgiving.'
|
merciless |
This word describes someone who shows no mercy or compassion, especially in situations involving harm or punishment.
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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.
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pitiless |
Use 'pitiless' for describing someone with a complete lack of pity, often in situations where pity might be expected.
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Examples of usage
- She was known for her unforgiving attitude towards mistakes.
- The unforgiving weather made it difficult to continue the journey.
in terms of a task or standard
Not allowing mistakes or faults; strict and demanding
Synonyms
demanding, rigorous, stringent.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
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.
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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.
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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.
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stringent |
This word describes rules, regulations, or requirements that are very strict and exacting. It usually has a negative or formal connotation.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 Shakespeareโs 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.
Origin of 'unforgiving'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'unforgiving' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the verb 'forgiving'. It first appeared in the English language in the 14th century. The concept of being unforgiving has been explored in various cultures and religions, highlighting the importance of forgiveness and mercy in human relationships. The word continues to be used to describe people, situations, and standards that do not allow for mistakes or leniency.
See also: forgiveness, forgiving, forgivingly, unforgivable, unforgivably, unforgivingly, unforgivingness.
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.
- ...
- 25476 deign
- 25477 sacrilegious
- 25478 unrighteous
- 25479 unforgiving
- 25480 scuttled
- 25481 trouser
- 25482 rustled
- ...