excruciating

American  

[ik-skroo-shee-ey-ting] / ɪkˈskru ʃiˌeɪ tɪŋ /

adjective

1. extremely painful; causing intense suffering; unbearably distressing; torturing: excruciating pain.

   an excruciating noise;

   excruciating pain.

   Synonyms:

   racking, agonizing, unendurable, insufferable, unbearable

2. exceedingly elaborate or intense; extreme.

   done with excruciating care.

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excruciating British  

/ ɪkˈskruːʃɪˌeɪtɪŋ /

adjective

1. unbearably painful; agonizing

2. intense; extreme

   he took excruciating pains to do it well

3. informal irritating; trying

4. humorous very bad

   an excruciating pun

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Other Word Forms

• excruciatingly adverb
• unexcruciating adjective

Etymology

Origin of excruciating

First recorded in 1655–65; excruciat(e) + -ing ²

Example Sentences

She would avoid tight-fitting clothing and found dressing for festivals and parties "excruciating."

From BBC

Like there was a dark cloud of rank, revolting air around me that no one wanted to penetrate for fear of excruciating pain or agonizing injury.

From Literature

She also recounted suffering "excruciating" pain during childbirth, telling fans: "I spent five to six hours rolling around in the bed crying in agony."

From BBC

Every year they're played out in an excruciating loop, be it spring or autumn or both.

From BBC

But holding on can be excruciating when everyone else is abandoning ship.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• acute
• agonizing
• exquisite
• grueling
• harrowing
• intense
• searing
• severe
• unbearable