excruciating

[ik-skroo-shee-ey-ting]

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.

excruciating

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• excruciatingly adverb
• unexcruciating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of excruciating¹

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

Example Sentences

After a few minutes of excruciating silence, he texted back: “Yeah!”

From Los Angeles Times

Seven-time Olympic gold medallist Biles was among the New York crowd as third seed Gauff toiled in a first set which was excruciating to watch at times.

From BBC

The sweeping diagnosis includes everyone from people who treasure their neurological differences to those with debilitating symptoms, including repetitive behaviors, excruciating sensitivity to touch and sounds, and difficulty responding to social situations.

From Salon

Weighing six stone and on the brink of organ failure, Charlotte Chapman-Hart is admitted to hospital in excruciating pain.

From BBC

She said it was frustrating to residents who have “been through excruciating renovation projects and followed the rules” to see certain projects get a pass.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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