testing

adjective

test·​ing ˈte-stiŋ 

: requiring maximum effort or ability

a most difficult and testing problem

—Ernest Bevin

Synonyms

• arduous
• Augean
• backbreaking
• challenging
• demanding
• difficult
• effortful
• exacting
• formidable
• grueling
• gruelling
• hard
• heavy
• hellacious
• herculean
• killer
• laborious
• moiling
• murderous
• pick-and-shovel
• rigorous
• rough
• rugged
• severe
• stiff
• strenuous
• sweaty
• tall
• toilsome
• tough
• uphill

Examples of testing in a Sentence

beginning rock climbers should choose a less testing route to the summit

Recent Examples on the Web

The 2024 Paris Games promise to be one of the most testing urban events in Olympic history, a security nightmare foretold by arson attacks on rail lines around France, and its organizers were not coating it in the usual sugary pageantry. —Sally Jenkins, Washington Post, 27 July 2024

And after several months of testing and post-testing use, this machine’s no-fuss performance has kept us stacking it night after night. —Samson McDougall, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024

There will likely be more testing now that Hamlin is no longer intubated, Dr. Feinstein says. —Korin Miller, SELF, 6 Jan. 2023

Our testers evaluated each Dutch oven’s performance, ease of use, durability, and value (once the retail price was revealed post-testing). —Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing testing

• lab testing
• testing ground