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

Each pregnancy was a little longer, more hopeful, the recovery more grueling. — Kristen Miglore, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 July 2026

The grueling days didn’t relent when the production moved ashore. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 July 2026

Haaland, known for his love of designer bags, also carried a white and maroon Dolce & Gabbana bag as disembarked from the plane after six grueling weeks of World Cup competition. — Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

The Evil Dead endured a famously grueling shoot that lasted over a year due to a tiny budget, difficult living conditions, and ambitious (and relentless) practical effects. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 10 July 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