gruelling
adjective C2
Plain meaning
extremely tiring and difficult
Exam-register meaning
In academic or exam writing, this is used to discuss extremely tiring and difficult in a more precise way.
In context
naturalThe report described gruelling schedule in a clear and practical way.
examThe findings show that gruelling schedule can influence educational, social, or economic outcomes.
Common collocations
gruelling schedulegruelling examgruelling journey
Watch out
Do not overuse it as a direct replacement for “good/bad”. Use it with natural nouns such as “gruelling schedule”.