unforgivable
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnfəɡˈɪvəbəl/
US
- /ˌənfɔrˈɡɪvəbəl/
Description
- cannot be excused
- beyond pardon
- inexcusable
An act that is unforgivable is so terrible or wrong that it feels impossible to excuse it or forgive the person who did it. It is not just something you do not want to forgive; it feels like a line has been crossed that cannot be undone. Think of betraying deep trust, causing lasting harm, or doing something especially cruel.
The weight of "unforgivable" suggests a breaking point in a relationship or a moral boundary being crossed. While people often talk about forgiving and forgetting, some actions are simply too damaging to move past. A character in a novel might do something unforgivable that changes the whole story, or a historical event might be seen as unforgivable by generations affected by it. It is a strong word used for truly serious wrongs.
"Unforgivable" describes something so deeply wrong, harmful, or offensive that it's considered impossible to pardon or excuse. It goes beyond simply being difficult to forgive; it implies an inherent quality of being beyond forgiveness – a transgression that fundamentally breaks trust and leaves lasting damage.
The concept of what is "unforgivable" is often subjective and tied to personal values, cultural norms, and the specific context of the situation. What one person considers unforgivable, another might eventually be able to reconcile with. However, certain acts – like deliberate cruelty, betrayal of a sacred trust, or causing irreversible harm – are frequently labeled as such.
You'll often encounter "unforgivable" in narratives exploring themes of morality, justice, and redemption. A character might wrestle with whether to forgive an unforgivable act, or the consequences of not forgiving it could drive the plot forward. For example: "His betrayal was unforgivable; she couldn't bear to look at him." Or, "The damage done to the environment by the oil spill was considered unforgivable by many."
It's important to note that labeling something as "unforgivable" isn't necessarily about condemning a person forever. It can also be an expression of deep pain and the recognition that some wounds may never fully heal. The weight of the word lies in its acknowledgement of profound, lasting harm – a breach so severe it feels impossible to overcome.
Examples
- 1
Personal betrayal
For her, lying about the money was unforgivable.
- 2
Job interview
Missing the interview because he overslept was an unforgivable mistake.
- 3
Workplace blame
Losing the files was bad enough, but blaming an intern was unforgivable.
- 4
Public criticism
The newspaper called the hospital's slow response unforgivable.
- 5
Safety warnings
It would be unforgivable to ignore the safety warnings.
- 6
Family humor
Around his family, skipping Sunday dinner is almost unforgivable.
Usage
almost unforgivable can be used humorously for smaller things
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unforgivableadjective