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

• afflicting
• agonizing
• bitter
• cruel
• excruciating
• galling
• grievous
• harrowing
• harsh
• heartrending
• hurtful
• painful
• tormenting

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

Editor’s picks ‘Brutal beatings’ Cooper and hundreds of Dozier students accused school wardens of torturous abuse over minor infractions, like whippings, beatings, forced labor, and medical neglect. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 15 Dec. 2024

Minuscule, meticulous, torturous, and incomprehensible to most mortals. —Jean-Philippe Toussaint, Harper's Magazine, 22 July 2024

Another year, another torturous Saturday Night Live episode for Colin Jost. —EW.com, 22 Dec. 2024

Previously, when companies came to the government to request data access, there was a torturous process of approvals. —IEEE Spectrum, 10 Dec. 2024

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