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

Per the logline revealed Wednesday, 12 up-and-coming dancers will move into one house and compete in a grueling audition process for the coveted Season 35 slot. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026

Marion Jones Jones’ rehab schedule was grueling — three hours of intense therapy every day. —Brad Quick, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026

Following a week of cold weather, rain, thunderstorms and even a freeze, Saturday brought bright sunshine for more than 2,000 runners aiming to conquer what organizers say is the most grueling half-marathon around. —Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 18 Apr. 2026

Content creation is a grueling job, and according to a recent report, over 60% of influencers are experiencing burnout. —Taylor Lorenz, Vanity Fair, 15 Apr. 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