exacting

[ ig-zak-ting ]

adjective

1. rigid or severe in demands or requirements:

   an exacting teacher.

2. requiring close application or attention:

   an exacting task.

3. given to or characterized by exaction; extortionate.

exacting

/ ɪɡˈzæktɪŋ /

adjective

1. making rigorous or excessive demands

   an exacting job

Derived Forms

• exˈactingness, noun
• exˈactingly, adverb

Other Words From

• ex·acting·ly adverb
• ex·acting·ness noun
• nonex·acting adjective
• nonex·acting·ly adverb
• nonex·acting·ness noun
• over·ex·acting adjective
• super·ex·acting adjective
• unex·acting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exacting¹

First recorded in 1575–85; exact + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Detaching himself early from that exacting church, while retaining a touch of its exhortative spirit, he developed an interest in dance.

From New York Times

They’re exacting and skillful at their jobs, but chaos follows and mistakes are made that have detrimental, often deadly, effects.

From Los Angeles Times

But Ireland's discipline cost them as McKenzie nailed three more penalties before Will Jordan's try - his 37th in 39 Tests - killed the home side's hopes of exacting revenge for last year's World Cup quarter-final loss.

From BBC

From well before his entry into politics, Trump has been single-minded in intimidating and exacting retribution against his opponents.

From Los Angeles Times

Sir Keir said: "There is a criminal empire operating on our continent, exacting a horrendous human toll and undermining our national security."

From BBC

Related Words

• harsh
• imperious
• onerous
• painstaking
• precise
• rigid
• rigorous
• strict
• stringent