demanding

adjective

de·​mand·​ing di-ˈman-diŋ 

-ˈmän-,

dē-

: requiring much time, effort, or attention : exacting

a demanding job

demanding customers

demandingly

di-ˈman-diŋ-lē 

-ˈmän-

dē-

adverb

demandingness noun

Synonyms

• arduous
• burdensome
• challenging
• exacting
• grueling
• gruelling
• killing
• laborious
• onerous
• persnickety
• taxing
• toilsome

Examples of demanding in a Sentence

She had a demanding schedule with little free time.

Factory work can be physically demanding.

I have heard it is one of the most demanding courses at the university.

Their boss was really demanding, often expecting them to work long into the night.

Recent Examples on the Web

Two of the judges on the D.C. Circuit applied strict scrutiny, the highest and most demanding form of judicial review, and said the government satisfied that standard. —Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025

Consumers are more demanding than ever, seeking true desirability, hyper-personalization, sustainability and seamless omnichannel experiences. —Jill Standish, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

Others spend decades honing skills in a physically demanding job. —Mead Gruver, The Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2025

Patriots players publicly stated their support for Mayo, but team sources have described a poor culture with a lack of leadership that can make demanding and decisive decisions. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of demand entry 2

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

demanding

adjective

de·​mand·​ing

di-ˈman-diŋ

: making many or difficult demands : exacting

a demanding job

demandingly adverb