WordLens

unforgiving

1 of 1adjective
/ˌʌnfərˈɡɪvɪŋ/
Forms:more unforgiving,most unforgiving
1

showing no mercy, particularly toward people's faults

  • The unforgiving teacher gave zero credit for late assignments.
  • Her unforgiving glare made it clear she wouldn't overlook his lie.
  • The strict diet was unforgiving, even one cheat day ruined progress.
  • He lived under his father's unforgiving expectations.
  • The unforgiving judge sentenced the thief to the maximum penalty.
Antonyms:
2

extremely difficult to endure or survive in

  • The desert's unforgiving heat drained the hikers within hours.
  • Climbing the unforgiving mountain required perfect preparation.
  • The ocean can be unforgiving to inexperienced sailors.
  • An unforgiving winter storm stranded the small village.
  • The unforgiving concrete floor left his knees aching after work.
3

not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty