grueling

adjective

gru·​el·​ing ˈgrü-ə-liŋ 

variants or gruelling

: trying or taxing to the point of exhaustion : punishing

a grueling race

a grueling schedule

gruelingly

ˈgrü-ə-liŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of grueling

• difficult
• challenging
• tough
• rigorous
• demanding
• hard
• formidable

Examples of grueling in a Sentence

running a marathon is grueling

cutting diamonds can be grueling work

Recent Examples on the Web

The stylistic approach works well enough during the many and extremely bloody action sequences, but eventually proves so relentless and lacking in modulation that the film becomes a grueling and sometimes tedious experience. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

Fitness testing eliminated NHL players were accustomed to returning from summer to a grueling set of tests from their teams. — Chris Johnston, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Diva behavior, grueling rehearsals, and public scandal threaten to destroy not only the show but the Jackman Method itself. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026

He's also set an age record on the Grand Canyon's grueling rim-to-rim-to-rim route. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of obsolete gruel to exhaust, punish, from gruel, noun

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for grueling

• refueling

Kids Definition

grueling

adjective

gru·​el·​ing

variants or gruelling

ˈgrü-ə-liŋ 

: requiring extreme effort : exhausting