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

On Sunday afternoon, Gonzalez, who roots for Spain, and Lee were present for a grueling clash that saw her team defeat Argentina 1-0 in extra time. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 20 July 2026

Smoke far beyond the flames For those with respiratory issues, the effects are much more grueling. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

The two sides were able to finagle a full 162-game season by pushing Opening Day from March 31 to April 7 and squeezing doubleheaders into what is already the most grueling and enormous schedule in professional sports. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 16 July 2026

Each pregnancy was a little longer, more hopeful, the recovery more grueling. — Kristen Miglore, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 July 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