Unforgiven describes a state of not having received or been granted forgiveness, typically for an offense, transgression, or perceived wrong. It signifies the persistence of a feeling of resentment, the refusal to pardon, or the continued holding of a grudge. This lack of forgiveness can apply to actions, words, or perceived slights, impacting relationships, individual emotional well-being, and societal dynamics. The concept often carries weight in religious, moral, and legal contexts, emphasizing the consequences and complexities associated with the inability or unwillingness to pardon. It highlights the detrimental effects of clinging to negative emotions and the potential for healing and reconciliation offered by forgiveness. The term encapsulates the lingering impact of past events and the associated emotional burden.
Unforgiven meaning with examples
- Haunted by her past actions, the criminal felt perpetually unforgiven, even after serving his sentence. He was constantly plagued by nightmares, a vivid reminder of the pain he inflicted. He struggled to find peace, and his remorse was made worse by the inability to forgive himself, even for a moment. The unforgiven aspect of his past had cast a long shadow. He would never get away from what he did.
- Despite his repeated apologies, the community remained unforgiven towards the politician, whose scandal had eroded their trust. The voters were unwilling to overlook the deceit, and the incident had cost him his reputation. Public opinion refused to budge, even though he had begged for forgiveness. His career was effectively over, and his name was forever tarnished. The stain was too difficult to remove.
- The unforgiven debts and resentments between the feuding families fueled generations of violence and mistrust. The bitterness of past injustices kept them locked in a cycle of retaliation. They found it difficult to talk or have a civil conversation. There was no room for reconciliation. Hatred ruled their life.
- She carried an unforgiven sadness, a deep-seated sense of regret that she had been unable to reconcile with her estranged sibling before their untimely passing. There was something missing, a huge piece of a puzzle. The sorrow lingered, a testament to the unfinished business and the pain of unspoken words. Grief and remorse had fused to create the torment.
- The unforgiven words spoken during their argument created a rift between the once-loving couple, poisoning their future together. The bitter words hung in the air. The lack of forgiveness led to the slow erosion of their relationship. Reconciliation remained impossible. The situation became so hard, they had to accept the truth.