unforgiving

comparative more unforgiving · superlative most unforgiving

1. Unwilling or unable to forgive or show mercy.

   The electorate was in an unforgiving mood.

2. figurativelyHaving no allowance for error or weakness.

   The unforgiving Arctic climate makes short work of the unprepared.

   3 more examples

   In a raucous atmosphere, it was an unforgiving and physical contest from the start. Grant Hanley conceded the first free-kick within the opening 20 seconds, setting the tone for a busy and thankless evening for Serbian referee Milorad Mazic.

   2014 November 14, Stephen Halliday, “Scotland 1-0 Republic of Ireland: Maloney the hero”, in The Scotsman

   The line may be very scenic, but it runs through areas exposed to some extreme and unforgiving weather that does its worst on station buildings and the infrastructure!

   2022 December 28, Don Jary, “Partnerships enhancing the S&C”, in RAIL, number 973, page 34

   The terrain in Ukraine’s south is unforgiving for attackers, with wide open fields and little high ground, and Ukrainian troops are meeting staunch resistance from Russian forces.

   2023 June 21, Cassandra Vinograd, “Battling Russia, Ukrainian Leaders Also Fight High Expectations”, in The New York Times, →ISSN

1. gerundparticiplepresentpresent participle and gerund of unforgive