torturous

adjective

tor·​tur·​ous ˈtȯr-chə-rəs 

ˈtȯrch-

1

a

: very unpleasant or painful

a torturous day

torturous self-doubts

b

: causing torture

torturous inquisitions

2

: painfully difficult or slow

the torturous course of the negotiations

torturously adverb

Synonyms of torturous

• painful
• harsh
• cruel

Examples of torturous in a Sentence

relatives had to make the torturous decision to disconnect the patient's life-support system

the post-infection treatment for rabies was as notoriously torturous as the disease itself

Recent Examples on the Web

Good luck—these tiny, torturous bugs seem to be hard to dispose of, but there is a way to lure them in and disable them. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 16 June 2026

International human rights leaders have condemned nitrogen hypoxia as experimental, violent and potentially torturous. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 11 June 2026

The execution method, which involves strapping a respirator onto the inmate's face and replacing breathable air with pure nitrogen gas, causing death by lack of oxygen, has been criticized by opponents as inhumane and torturous. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026

This Stanley Cup final is twisty, torturous and absolutely exhilarating. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids Definition

torturous

adjective

tor·​tur·​ous ˈtȯrch-(ə-)rəs 

: causing great pain

torturously adverb