grueling

adjective

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

Examples of grueling in a Sentence

running a marathon is grueling cutting diamonds can be grueling work
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The two executives are, in fact, said to have a close working relationship that appears to have overcome a long and grueling audition for the top job. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2026 For Rupert, the Aspen trip was a chance to recharge after the grueling Fox-Metromedia deal. Gabriel Sherman, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026 Now, long-distance runners are a special breed, and many of these men are prone to taking on strange and grueling challenges. Frederick Dreier, Outside, 30 Jan. 2026 Since then, her days have followed a grueling but structured rhythm. Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grueling

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grueling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grueling. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

grueling

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

More from Merriam-Webster on grueling

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