Finesentence logo

Unforgiving: meaning, definitions and examples

🚫
Add to dictionary

unforgiving

 

[ ˌʌn.fəˈɡɪv.ɪŋ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in a situation or towards a person

Not willing to forgive or show mercy; harsh and unrelenting

Synonyms

merciless, pitiless, ruthless

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

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

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

Etymology

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.