torturous

adjective

tor·​tur·​ous ˈtȯr-chə-rəs 

ˈtȯrch-

1

a

: very unpleasant or painful

a torturous day

torturous self-doubts

b

: causing torture

torturous inquisitions

2

: painfully difficult or slow

the torturous course of the negotiations

torturously adverb

Synonyms

• afflicting
• agonizing
• bitter
• cruel
• excruciating
• galling
• grievous
• harrowing
• harsh
• heartrending
• hurtful
• painful
• tormenting

Examples of torturous in a Sentence

relatives had to make the torturous decision to disconnect the patient's life-support system

the post-infection treatment for rabies was as notoriously torturous as the disease itself

Recent Examples on the Web

The torturous clobbering comes after Joel saves Abby from infected hordes and is coldly executed in front of his surrogate daughter, Ellie (Bella Ramsey). —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025

One of the hardest parts is her daily growth-hormone injections—a torturous process for everyone involved. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025

Before embarking on an NBA career that's already filled with exhilarating highs and torturous lows, Pritchard helped lead the Oregon Ducks to their first Final Four appearance since the inaugural NCAA men's basketball tournament. —Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

This is like one of Larry David's torturous self-debates on Curb Your Enthusiasm, but without his perverse genius, his wheedling, preening hostility. —Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids Definition

torturous

adjective

tor·​tur·​ous ˈtȯrch-(ə-)rəs 

: causing great pain

torturously adverb