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 of demanding

• challenging
• difficult

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

By automating repetitive, physically demanding and highly variable tasks, intelligent robotics allows experienced people to focus on the work where their judgment and expertise create the greatest value. — Ariyan Kabir, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026

However, rather than viewing the demanding conditions as a disadvantage, Simmons believes the heat can become an advantage for the Panthers. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026

Three habits in particular tend to be read as intrusive while actually reflecting more demanding cognitive work than the socially appropriate alternative. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

The butterflies never go away, Dalton said, and an adrenaline rush right before a physically demanding stunt is inevitable. — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of demand entry 2

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for demanding

• commanding
• disbanding
• expanding
• freestanding
• misbranding
• outstanding
• remanding
• upstanding
• withstanding
• banding
• branding
• handing

Kids Definition

demanding

adjective

de·​mand·​ing

di-ˈman-diŋ

: making many or difficult demands : exacting

a demanding job

demandingly adverb