Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

demanding

American  
[dih-man-ding, -mahn-] / dɪˈmæn dɪŋ, -ˈmɑn- /

adjective

  1. requiring or claiming more than is generally felt by others to be due.

    a demanding teacher.

  2. calling for intensive effort or attention; taxing.

    a demanding job.


demanding British  
/ dɪˈmɑːndɪŋ /

adjective

  1. requiring great patience, skill, etc

    a demanding job

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of demanding

First recorded in 1520–30; demand + -ing 2

Explanation

Something that's demanding calls for more work or skill than the typical task. Babysitting might seem like an easy job, but depending on the kids it can actually be incredibly demanding. A demanding job might require a lot of physical work, like farming, or a lot of patience and diplomacy, like being a teacher or a marriage counselor. When a person is described as demanding, it usually means that he or she has very high standards or is especially hard to satisfy. The word comes from the Old French demander, "to request or demand," by way of the Latin demandare, "entrust."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing demanding

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“The market is demanding higher compensation against the risk this releveraging impulse gets more aggressive,” Karoui said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

However, despite an explosive start, during which Di Maria scored three goals and created four others in his first six games, the move didn't work out and within 12 months, he was demanding to leave.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

While the White House has emphasized that no new medical concerns prompted the upcoming visit, Trump’s health remains closely watched as he maintains a demanding public schedule filled with rallies, travel, ceremonies and high-profile appearances.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

The U.S. and Cuba have been involved in talks for months, with American officials demanding an overhaul of the island’s state-run economy and one-party political system.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Julio was already demanding that they come to the meeting tomorrow and explain how they had accidentally caused this mess.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "demanding" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com