agonizing

adjective

ag·​o·​niz·​ing ˈa-gə-ˌnī-ziŋ 

: causing agony

an agonizing injury

agonizingly adverb

Synonyms of agonizing

• painful
• harsh
• torturous
• cruel

Examples of agonizing in a Sentence

a long and agonizing battle with cancer

She made the agonizing decision to cancel the trip.

The agonizing wait was finally over.

He was in agonizing pain.

Recent Examples on the Web

Two years ago, Vollering missed out on Tour victory after finishing an agonizing four seconds behind Niewiadoma-Phinney on the last stage. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Two agonizing days in court To confront Kaur, Lyman and her family made their victim impact statements in court twice. — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026

But Semeru provides a crucial intimacy for Etna, whose experience of the war has been one of agonizing isolation. — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

Those looking to avoid an agonizing morning commute or a chaotic weekend trip to the city should steer clear of the following areas. — Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of agonize

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined above