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Showing results for unforgiving. Search instead for unforgivingnes.
Definitions

unforgiving

[uhn-fer-giv-ing] / ˌʌn fərˈgɪv ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
merciless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cruel heartless relentless ruthless unrelenting
WEAK
pitiless remorseless revengeful uncompassionate unkind unsympathetic
Antonyms
STRONGEST
compassionate considerate feeling gentle kind merciful nice sympathetic
WEAK
bright easy forgiving remorseful tolerant
ADJECTIVE
hostile
Synonyms
STRONGEST
demanding grim harsh
WEAK
difficult hard severe uncharitable unkind
Antonyms
STRONGEST
easy
WEAK
bright compassionate forgiving kind merciful remorseful sympathetic tolerant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Burnt garlic is acrid and unforgiving; here, it should dissolve into the base of the sauce, barely visible but deeply present.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

It is a relentless and unforgiving job, so rest and recovery are essential, to make positive, correct decisions.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Addressing the Australian parliament on Tuesday, von der Leyen described a world that was "brutal, harsh and unforgiving".

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

Not 48 hours earlier, Arenas was confined to his bed, sick with a particularly unforgiving form of the flu.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

“Doña Susana will be there watching you,” Mami warned, unnecessarily, since we expected another pair of eyes as stern and unforgiving as hers to watch our every move when she wasn’t around.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago