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Unsparing: meaning, definitions and examples

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unsparing

 

[ ʌnˈspɛrɪŋ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

harsh criticism

Unsparing refers to a lack of mercy or leniency in judgment or treatment. It describes a severity that is often relentless and critical. In a context of critique, being unsparing means delivering tough feedback without holding back. This term can also relate to an unyielding approach in various situations, such as giving rigorous assessments or evaluations.

Synonyms

cruel, harsh, relentless, severe

Examples of usage

  • The review was unsparing in its critique of the artist's latest work.
  • She delivered an unsparing account of the project's failures.
  • The unsparing reality of the situation left everyone shaken.

Translations

Translations of the word "unsparing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 implacável

🇮🇳 निष्कर्षहीन

🇩🇪 unbarmherzig

🇮🇩 tanpa ampun

🇺🇦 безжальний

🇵🇱 bezlitosny

🇯🇵 容赦ない

🇫🇷 impitoyable

🇪🇸 implacable

🇹🇷 acımayan

🇰🇷 무자비한

🇸🇦 غير رحيم

🇨🇿 nepřítel

🇸🇰 neúprosne

🇨🇳 无情的

🇸🇮 neusmiljen

🇮🇸 harður

🇰🇿 қайырымсыз

🇬🇪 არაპატიებელი

🇦🇿 qeyri-şəfqət

🇲🇽 implacable

Etymology

The word 'unsparing' is formed by the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the adjective 'sparing,' which itself derives from the Old English 'spearian' meaning 'to spare' or 'to save.' The term has evolved in usage since the early 17th century in English literature, embracing a connotation of not holding back or being generous in providing critique or judgment. Traditionally, 'sparing' relates to being frugal or careful, while 'unsparing' flips this notion by suggesting an unabashed and often harsh approach to judgment or treatment. Over the centuries, it has been used in various literary and rhetorical contexts to describe uncompromising honesty, particularly in critiques of art, literature, or moral character, making it a powerful term in literary discourse.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,302, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.