demanding

adjective

de·​mand·​ing di-ˈman-diŋ How to pronounce demanding (audio)
-ˈmän-,
dē-
: requiring much time, effort, or attention : exacting
a demanding job
demanding customers
demandingly
di-ˈman-diŋ-lē How to pronounce demanding (audio)
-ˈmän-
dē-
adverb
demandingness noun

Examples of demanding in a Sentence

She had a demanding schedule with little free time. Factory work can be physically demanding. I have heard it is one of the most demanding courses at the university. Their boss was really demanding, often expecting them to work long into the night.
Recent Examples on the Web Schneider left the network in 2018 after an internal investigation into his allegedly verbally abusive and demanding behavior on set. Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024 And his orchestra was busy with standout performances — Raphael Figueroa’s endearing, assertive cello playing; Anton Rist’s splendid (and demanding) clarinet solos; Hannah Cope’s lucid harp. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 18 Mar. 2024 Lizzy’s journey at Fountain Valley is marked by continuous growth and an eagerness to embrace diverse and demanding roles. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024 The email sounded accusatory and demanding and could be read as an implicit threat of regulatory retaliation, according to the institute. USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2024 This technical and demanding circuit features a unique figure-eight layout and fast esses. Brad Spurgeon, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2024 Franklin was meticulous and demanding, always particular about how she was photographed. Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 10 Mar. 2024 The narrow, short track through the streets of the Principality of Monaco is one of the most demanding tests of a driver’s precision and skill, and the contest remains the most coveted victory in the series. Brad Spurgeon, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2024 But officials are finding that restoring trust is a demanding and long-term process. Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'demanding.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of demand entry 2

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of demanding was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near demanding

Cite this Entry

“Demanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demanding. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

demanding

adjective
de·​mand·​ing
di-ˈman-diŋ
: making many or difficult demands : exacting
a demanding job
demandingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on demanding

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!