harrowing

1 of 2

adjective

har·​row·​ing ˈher-ə-wiŋ 

ˈha-rə-

: acutely distressing or painful

a harrowing experience

Mr. Wu's work in a coal mine was particularly harrowing.

—Charles Horner

harrowingly adverb

harrowing

2 of 2

present participle of harrow entry 1, harrow entry 3

Synonyms of harrowing

Adjective

• painful
• harsh
• cruel
• torturous

Examples of harrowing in a Sentence

Adjective

a harrowing portrayal of the ravages of war

the harrowing amputations without any anesthetic that soldiers and sailors once were forced to endure

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Seven months after that harrowing incident, Eriksen made an unlikely comeback for Brentford as a second-half substitute against Newcastle United. — Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

The actions of an unlikely rescuer during a harrowing ordeal for the Morenos also make for a conclusion that feels like an easy out. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, the system isn’t perfect, and its errors can lead to harrowing consequences. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 8 Sep. 2026

Regional and Kurdish diaspora audiences should appreciate the strong visual and technical craftmanship used in this harrowing tale. — Alissa Simon, Variety, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of harrow entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective

1799, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for harrowing

• narrowing