pains·tak·ing
ˈpān-ˌstā-kiŋ 
: taking pains : expending, showing, or involving diligent care and effort
painstaking research
painstaking tasks
painstaking accuracy
: the action of taking pains : diligent care and effort
… greater painstaking to achieve incidental verisimilitude and accuracy of detail …—
Times Literary Supplement
Times Literary SupplementExamples of painstaking in a Sentence
Adjective
The book describes the election process in painstaking detail.
she was always painstaking about her work
Recent Examples on the Web
Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 12 Jan. 2026
Though this major change goes against the painstaking efforts contestants typically take to keep their identities hidden, the rest of the singers will still follow the show's strict guidelines.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
But first, a painstaking historic renovation presented some unglamorous concerns.
—Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
Tailor Rae Moore—who often works with Sabrina Carpenter—was on hand for what was a detailed, painstaking restoration project to get the Versace gown ready.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for painstaking
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Adjective
The car was acquired in 2016 by the consignor, whose painstaking efforts restored it to road-ready condition.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 12 Jan. 2026
Though this major change goes against the painstaking efforts contestants typically take to keep their identities hidden, the rest of the singers will still follow the show's strict guidelines.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
But first, a painstaking historic renovation presented some unglamorous concerns.
—Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
Tailor Rae Moore—who often works with Sabrina Carpenter—was on hand for what was a detailed, painstaking restoration project to get the Versace gown ready.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for painstaking
Cite this Entry
“Painstaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/painstaking. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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