grueling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal and informal; commonly used in both writing and speech.
Quick answer
What does “grueling” mean?
Extremely tiring and demanding, physically or mentally.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Extremely tiring and demanding, physically or mentally; requiring great effort and endurance.
Used to describe any experience, task, or period that is severe, punishing, and exhausts one's strength or patience.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The standard British spelling is 'gruelling' (double 'l'), while American spelling is 'grueling' (single 'l'). The meaning and usage are identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, the connotations are strongly negative, describing something punishingly difficult.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “grueling” in a Sentence
be/grow/become gruelingfind something gruelingmake something gruelingendure/survive a grueling [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grueling” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (The verb form is not standard; it is almost exclusively an adjective.)
American English
- (The verb form is not standard; it is almost exclusively an adjective.)
adverb
British English
- (The adverbial form 'gruelingly' is very rare but possible, e.g., 'a gruelingly slow process').
American English
- (The adverbial form 'gruelingly' is very rare but possible, e.g., 'a gruelingly hot day').
adjective
British English
- The mountaineers faced a gruelling two-day ascent in terrible weather.
- She had a gruelling schedule of lectures and lab work.
American English
- The candidates underwent a grueling series of interviews.
- It was a grueling cross-country drive with no breaks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describing an intense work schedule or a demanding project deadline.
Academic
Used to describe a rigorous course of study or a challenging research process.
Everyday
Commonly used to describe difficult travel, household tasks, or a tough exercise regimen.
Technical
Rare in pure technical jargon; more common in sports science (e.g., 'grueling training regimen').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grueling”
- Misspelling as 'gruelling' in American English or 'grueling' in British English.
- Confusing it with 'grizzly' (a bear) or 'grisly' (horrific).
- Using it for short, sharp pain rather than prolonged exertion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is commonly used for both physical and mental/emotional exertions, such as a grueling exam, negotiation, or work schedule.
They are close synonyms, but 'grueling' often implies a more severe, punishing, and prolonged challenge that tests one's limits, while 'exhausting' is slightly more general for anything that causes fatigue.
It's pronounced GROO-uh-ling, with the stress on the first syllable. The 'gru' sounds like 'grew'.
Rarely. The word inherently describes a negative, punishing experience. However, the outcome (e.g., 'a grueling but rewarding journey') can be positive.
Extremely tiring and demanding, physically or mentally.
Grueling is usually formal and informal; commonly used in both writing and speech. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a grueling marathon (literal or figurative)”
- “a grueling uphill battle”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine running a marathon while carrying a heavy GRU (a Russian folk instrument). It's GRUE(L)ING!
Conceptual Metaphor
EFFORT IS A PHYSICAL BURDEN / A PUNISHING JOURNEY. The word frames hard work as a heavy weight to carry or a harsh path to walk.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely to be described as 'grueling'?