demanding

adjective

de·​mand·​ing di-ˈman-diŋ 

-ˈmän-,

dē-

: requiring much time, effort, or attention : exacting

a demanding job

demanding customers

demandingly

di-ˈman-diŋ-lē 

-ˈmän-

dē-

adverb

demandingness noun

Synonyms

• arduous
• burdensome
• challenging
• exacting
• grueling
• gruelling
• killing
• laborious
• onerous
• persnickety
• taxing
• toilsome

Examples of demanding in a Sentence

She had a demanding schedule with little free time.

Factory work can be physically demanding.

I have heard it is one of the most demanding courses at the university.

Their boss was really demanding, often expecting them to work long into the night.

Recent Examples on the Web

While reeling from the loss of a loved one, life rudely refuses to press pause — there’s only so long the stricken can take a break before getting back to work or keeping up with our demanding yet mundane routines. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 10 July 2024

Workers in our jail are tasked with a very challenging and demanding job, working long hours, nights and weekends in a difficult environment. —Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 9 July 2024

Boone said the course is physically demanding and academically challenging. —Thomas Goodwin Smith, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2024

Named after the famous Swiss pianist, it is noted for being one of the most demanding piano competitions in the world. —Patrick Neas, Kansas City Star, 5 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of demand entry 2

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

demanding

adjective

de·​mand·​ing

di-ˈman-diŋ

: making many or difficult demands : exacting

a demanding job

demandingly adverb