Definition of “Demanding”
“Demanding” is an adjective used to describe something that requires considerable effort, skill, attention, or patience. It can be applied to people, tasks, or situations that necessitate high standards or exertion.
Key Characteristics of “Demanding”:
- Requires effort, skill, or time
- Can refer to people who are difficult to please or have high expectations
- Used to describe challenging situations or tasks
Synonyms for “Demanding”
Strongest Matches (Exact or Nearly Identical in Meaning)
- Challenging – Requiring effort and determination.
- Difficult – Not easy to accomplish or deal with.
- Taxing – Physically or mentally exhausting.
- Exhausting – Draining energy or strength.
- Rigorous – Extremely thorough and strict.
- Grueling – Requiring extreme effort and endurance.
- Arduous – Involving great difficulty and effort.
- Exacting – Making severe demands on one’s skill or patience.
Strong Matches (Closely Related in Meaning)
- Strenuous – Requiring great physical effort.
- Tough – Difficult to handle or accomplish.
- Pressing – Urgent and requiring immediate attention.
- Intense – Highly concentrated or demanding in focus.
- Strict – Requiring rigid adherence to rules or expectations.
- Heavy – Involving a great deal of responsibility or burden.
- Hard – Not easily done; requiring great effort.
- Laborious – Taking considerable time and effort.
Weak Matches (Loosely Related or Used in Specific Contexts)
- Persistent – Continuing firmly despite difficulties.
- Ambitious – Requiring or showing a strong desire to succeed.
- Comprehensive – Thorough and all-encompassing.
- Elaborate – Involving many details or complexity.
- Sophisticated – Advanced and requiring special knowledge.
- Meticulous – Showing great attention to detail.
- Intricate – Complex and requiring careful attention.
- Challenged – Having difficulties but persevering.
Example Sentences Using “Demanding”
General Usage
- The job was highly demanding, requiring long hours and intense focus.
- She has a demanding boss who expects perfection in every project.
- Parenting can be a demanding yet rewarding responsibility.
Work & Career Context
- Managing a large team in a fast-paced environment is quite demanding.
- The project had a demanding deadline that left no room for errors.
- His role as a CEO is extremely demanding, requiring constant decision-making.
Academic & Learning Context
- The university’s medical program is notoriously demanding.
- Preparing for the bar exam is an incredibly demanding process.
- The professor set a demanding coursework schedule with weekly tests.
Physical & Fitness Context
- Training for a marathon is a demanding challenge that requires months of preparation.
- The gym offers a demanding workout program designed for elite athletes.
- Yoga can be physically demanding despite its calm appearance.
Personal & Relationships Context
- Maintaining a healthy relationship can be demanding and requires commitment.
- Raising children is one of the most demanding tasks in life.
- Her demanding personality often puts pressure on her friendships.
Contextual Usage of “Demanding”
Professional Environment
- Often used to describe high-pressure jobs, strict bosses, or tasks requiring superior skills.
- Example: “The demanding nature of the finance industry means professionals must be adaptable.”
Education & Learning
- Applied to rigorous academic programs, tough exams, or high expectations from teachers.
- Example: “The PhD program is one of the most demanding academic pursuits.”
Physical and Mental Challenges
- Related to strenuous physical activities or mentally draining tasks.
- Example: “Long-distance hiking is a demanding sport that requires endurance.”
Social & Personal Context
- Describes individuals with high expectations or relationships that require significant effort.
- Example: “Being in a relationship with a highly demanding partner can be stressful.”
Related Words and Concepts
- Persistence – The ability to keep going despite obstacles.
- Resilience – The capacity to recover from difficulties.
- Determination – A firm resolve to accomplish something.
- Endurance – The ability to sustain effort over a long period.
- Perseverance – Continued effort in the face of adversity.
- Obligation – A duty or commitment, often related to demanding tasks.
Final Thoughts on “Demanding”
The word “demanding” carries a strong connotation of requiring effort, skill, or persistence. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on whether the challenge is seen as rewarding or burdensome. Understanding the various synonyms and contextual applications can help you use the word effectively in different situations.
Disclaimer
This page is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The synonyms and related words provided are based on standard usage in the English language and may vary in specific contexts. If using “demanding” in professional or formal writing, consider consulting a thesaurus or language expert for the best fit.
