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

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

Look no further than last season, during Nick and Hannah’s torturous engagement. —Nic Juarez, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2025

Pair this struggle with the painstaking awareness that sleep is essential for your daily functioning, and sleep deprivation can quickly become maddening — or even torturous. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 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