'unforgiving' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'forgiefan,' where 'for-' meant 'completely' and 'giefan' meant 'to give.'

'forgiefan' transformed into the Middle English word 'forgiven,' and eventually became the modern English word 'forgive,' with 'un-' added to form 'unforgiving.'

Initially, it meant 'not giving pardon,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not willing to forgive or harsh.'