How to pronounce unforgiving
Say it like un-fer-GHIV-ing. Unforgiving has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (GHIV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unforgiving. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- un
- fer
- GHIV
- ing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unforgiving pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ferKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- GHIVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of unforgiving
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: un-fuh-GHIV-ing.
What does unforgiving mean?
- Unwilling or unable to forgive or show mercy.“The electorate was in an unforgiving mood.”
- Having no allowance for error or weakness.“The unforgiving Arctic climate makes short work of the unprepared.”
- present participle and gerund of unforgive
Where does unforgiving come from?
From un- + forgiving.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with unforgiving
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unforgiving.
Questions about saying unforgiving
How do you pronounce unforgiving?
Say un-fer-GHIV-ing. The American pronunciation is /ənfɚˈɡɪvɪŋ/. In British English it is /ənfəˈɡɪvɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unforgiving?
Unforgiving has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (GHIV). Broken into parts: un · fer · GHIV · ing.
Is unforgiving pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ənfəˈɡɪvɪŋ/ (un-fuh-GHIV-ing).