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unsparingshowing no mercy or compassion; harsh and severe

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: showing no mercy or compassion; harsh and severe

Pronunciation (IPA): /ʌnˈspɛrɪŋ/

Example Sentences

  • The food critic was unsparing in her review of the restaurant's terrible pasta.
  • My grandmother is unsparing with her hugs but equally unsparing with her lectures about eating vegetables.
  • The teacher's unsparing feedback helped students improve dramatically.

unsparing

ADJECTIVE

[/ʌnˈspɛrɪŋ/]

showing no mercy or compassion; harsh and severe

The judge was unsparing in her criticism of the corrupt official.
💡 Concept

The judge was unsparing in her criticism of the corrupt official.

Unsparing justice allows no caring or sharing
🎵 Rhyme

Unsparing justice allows no caring or sharing

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ʌnˈspɛrɪŋ/
🇬🇧 UK/ʌnˈspɛərɪŋ/

🌳Etymology

Prefixun--
Rootspar
Suffix--ing

Origin

From Old English 'sparian' meaning 'to refrain from' or 'to be merciful to', combined with the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not'. The word developed through Middle English and evolved to mean the opposite: showing no restraint or mercy.

Breakdown

un- (not) + sparing (showing mercy or restraint) = unsparing (showing no mercy or restraint; harsh and severe)

🎵Rhyme

preparingsharingcaringbearing
preparing
sharing
caring
bearing

🔗Collocations

unsparing criticism
unsparing in one's efforts
unsparing honesty
unsparing attack
unsparing praise
unsparing devotion

📝Examples

The food critic was unsparing in her review of the restaurant's terrible pasta.

😄 Fun example

My grandmother is unsparing with her hugs but equally unsparing with her lectures about eating vegetables.

The teacher's unsparing feedback helped students improve dramatically.

😄 Fun example

He was unsparing in his generosity, buying everyone ice cream even though he was broke.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

mercilessruthlessharshsevererelentless

Antonyms

mercifullenientgentle

Related

sparesparingunsparinglypitiless

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