demanding
Americanadjective
-
requiring or claiming more than is generally felt by others to be due.
a demanding teacher.
-
calling for intensive effort or attention; taxing.
a demanding job.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of demanding
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."
Vocabulary lists containing demanding
Prince (1958-2016) Tribute List
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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.
But last year, Louisiana filed a suit in federal court demanding the rule’s return.
From Slate • May 18, 2026
The below edited version of the conversation gives you a glimpse into the demanding yet deeply fulfilling world of styling athletes.
From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026
Samsung’s workers are demanding the company allocate 15% of its operating profit for bonuses and are threatening a general walkout from May 21 to June 7.
From Barron's • May 13, 2026
McIlroy says he does not feel pain while hitting shots but the 7,394 yard Aronimink is a demanding and undulating walk.
From BBC • May 13, 2026
But the stairs in the house were steep, and the busy schedule of a presidential household was far more demanding than Mount Vernon.
From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
