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

Shapovalov had pushed the Spaniard in a grueling opening set, earning a set point at 5-4. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026

As 2016 neared, Thomas’ bandmates expected to reconvene for a 20th anniversary tour, however he was focused on 2015’s The Great Unknown, largely inspired by wife Marisol’s grueling health battles. — Leena Tailor, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026

The former child star, 22, is one of 15 celebrities competing on season 5 of Fox’s grueling reality competition show. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026

That was the most grueling minute or two or three in my life. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 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