# unforgivable

/ˌənfɔɹˈɡɪvəbəɫ/ (US) · /ʌnfəɡˈɪvəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unforgivable
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

so bad or hurtful that you cannot forgive it. You use this to describe an action that is impossible to excuse.

For teachers: describing an action or behaviour so offensive or harmful that it cannot be excused or pardoned.

## Examples

- Being late for your own wedding is unforgivable.
- The manager felt that lying about the safety reports was an unforgivable breach of trust.
- While minor errors in judgment are expected in high-pressure roles, the deliberate concealment of financial losses was considered an unforgivable failure of leadership by the board.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'remain'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.