unsparing
|un-spar-ing|
🇺🇸
/ənˈspɛrɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ʌnˈspɛərɪŋ/
not holding back
Etymology
'unsparing' is formed from the negative prefix 'un-' (Old English 'un-') plus the adjective 'sparing', ultimately from the verb 'spare' (Old English 'spārian' / 'sparian'), where 'un-' meant 'not' and the root for 'spare' meant 'to refrain from using or to spare.'
'unsparing' appeared in Middle English in forms like 'unsparyng' (built from 'un-' + 'sparing') and evolved into the modern English adjective 'unsparing' through regular morphological changes.
Originally it meant simply 'not sparing' (i.e., not refraining from using or withholding). Over time it developed figurative senses such as 'severe, merciless' and also 'not withholding (praise or criticism)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
severe, harsh, or merciless; not showing pity or leniency.
The reviewer was unsparing in his criticism of the new play.
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Antonyms
Adjective 2
not holding back; generous or unstinting (often used of praise, detail, or effort).
She was unsparing with her praise for the volunteers' efforts.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/10 04:31