Unforgiving

Characterized by a refusal or reluctance to forgive; showing no mercy; severe or harsh. This can apply to a person's nature, a situation, or a specific environment. It often implies holding a grudge, a lack of empathy, or an insistence on strict adherence to rules or consequences. It suggests a demanding or rigorous approach, leaving little room for error, second chances, or leniency. The concept implies a degree of judgement and an inability to move beyond past transgressions or perceived failings.

Unforgiving meaning with examples

• The Unforgiving desert climate made survival a constant struggle, offering little respite from the scorching sun and harsh conditions for the stranded hikers who were ill-prepared and unware of the potential consequences.
• Her Unforgiving nature was well-known; she held onto grudges for years, refusing to speak to anyone who had ever wronged her, and never gave people another chance to build a relationship.
• The Unforgiving deadline pressured the team to work around the clock, sacrificing sleep and personal lives in an effort to complete the project, resulting in a low-quality and rushed outcome.
• The Unforgiving legal system punished even minor offenses with severe penalties, leading to overcrowded prisons and a cycle of recidivism for offenders, showing little mercy or opportunities for rehabilitation.
• The Unforgiving glare of the sun on the snow-covered peaks reflected the Unforgiving environment and conditions, challenging climbers and experienced mountaineers who were trying to summit Mount Everest.