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.
But the official unveiling of the slate would further solidify just how grueling the climb could be for USC next season. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026 The last set was grueling, and both of us were exhausted. Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026 The dog days of the NBA season have never felt so grueling in Denver. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026 To embark on a race as grueling as the Dakar and place two of three trucks on the podium on the first try is an incredible feat. Jerry Perez, The Drive, 22 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 4 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

grueling

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

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