painstaking

1 of 2

adjective

pains·​tak·​ing ˈpān-ˌstā-kiŋ How to pronounce painstaking (audio)
: taking pains : expending, showing, or involving diligent care and effort
painstaking research
painstaking tasks
painstaking accuracy
painstakingly adverb

painstaking

2 of 2

noun

: the action of taking pains : diligent care and effort
… greater painstaking to achieve incidental verisimilitude and accuracy of detail …Times Literary Supplement

Examples of painstaking in a Sentence

Adjective The book describes the election process in painstaking detail. she was always painstaking about her 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.
Adjective
The painstaking attention to detail and authenticity has enabled the baronial convertible to be shown at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, as well as participate in the Coppa della Perugina road rally. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 May 2025 She’s certified to do this spiritual work because she’s been through some real things, like a turbulent divorce and painstaking grief, which ultimately led her to face her trauma head-on by choosing to seek out ways to heal holistically. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 25 Apr. 2025 In December, after four years of painstaking renovations under the guidance of Belgian architect Francis Metzger, Corinthia Hotels finally reopened the property in all its Belle Époque splendor. Jennifer Flowers, AFAR Media, 3 Apr. 2025 Expect long, painstaking arguments in the next few months over spending cuts, tax policy changes and border security. Stef W. Kight, Axios, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for painstaking

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1685, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of painstaking was in 1538

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Cite this Entry

“Painstaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/painstaking. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

painstaking

adjective
pains·​tak·​ing
ˈpān-ˌstā-kiŋ
: taking or showing great care and effort
a painstaking search
painstakingly
-kiŋ-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on painstaking

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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