gruelling

/ ˈɡruːəlɪŋ /

adjective

1. severe or tiring

   a gruelling interview

noun

1. informal.
   a severe experience, esp punishment

Word History and Origins

Origin of gruelling¹

C19: from now obsolete vb gruel to exhaust, punish

Example Sentences

Harry, the expedition patron, announced last month that he will join the gruelling 210-mile trek across Antarctica this winter.

From The Daily Beast

It was one phase of the campaign that closely approximated the gruelling trench warfare in France.

From Project Gutenberg

Now was to be one of the most gruelling sea-fights in which George Walker ever engaged.

From Project Gutenberg

In the gruelling battle that followed, Buck was forced to admit that Bunny shirked no duty.

From Project Gutenberg

Four horses had succumbed to a gruelling day of fierce exertion.

From Project Gutenberg

Clint still hung on, sometimes much discouraged, and took his share of hard knocks and gruelling labour.

From Project Gutenberg