grueling

adjective

gru·​el·​ing ˈgrü-ə-liŋ How to pronounce grueling (audio)
variants or gruelling
: trying or taxing to the point of exhaustion : punishing
a grueling race
gruelingly adverb

Examples of grueling in a Sentence

running a marathon is grueling cutting diamonds can be grueling work
Recent Examples on the Web By creating a false dichotomy between talent and dedication, Combs justified the show’s grueling demands of contestants, his role as their kingmaker, and his explosive anger when the women failed to meet his expectations. Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 2024 Ramirez’s lineout concluded a grueling a nine-pitch encounter Rodon got ahead with his changeup, watched Ramirez foul off three of the next four pitches, take two balls to even the count, foul of f a fastball. Larry Fleisher, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 Over the last year and a half, Romer underwent a grueling rehabilitation process. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2024 Filming some of the world’s most recognizable athletes during an always grueling NBA schedule posed challenges for Scalettar and the producers. Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for grueling 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'grueling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grueling was in 1852

Dictionary Entries Near grueling

Cite this Entry

“Grueling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grueling. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

grueling

adjective
gru·​el·​ing
variants or gruelling
: requiring extreme effort : exhausting

More from Merriam-Webster on grueling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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