gruelling
Punishingly hard work
Gruelling describes something extremely demanding and exhausting, testing the limits of endurance: a gruelling marathon, a gruelling schedule, gruelling negotiations that lasted through the night.
The word implies sustained effort over time rather than a single burst of difficulty.
Also spelled grueling in American English.
Requiring intense exertion
- laboriousRequiring considerable effort
- taxingRequiring great effort
- demandingRequiring great effort
- punishingExtremely taxing or severe
backbreaking · toilsome · onerous · burdensome · rigorous · formidable · tough · difficult
Weariness from prolonged exertion
- exhaustionState of utter depletion
- burnoutChronic occupational depletion
- wearinessState of being drained
- drainingDepleting one's reserves
sapping · depleting · tiredness · enervating · debilitating · wearing · spent · drained
Capacity for sustained effort
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
grit · determination · toughness · hardiness · survival · marathon · slog · ordeal
strenuous
Requiring intense exertion
punishing · backbreaking · toilsome · onerous · burdensome · rigorous · formidable · tough · difficult · hard
fatigue
Weariness from prolonged exertion
- exhaustionState of utter depletion
- burnoutChronic occupational depletion
- wearinessState of being drained
draining · sapping · depleting · tiredness · enervating · debilitating · wearing · spent · drained · knackered
stamina
Capacity for sustained effort
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
tenacity · grit · determination · toughness · hardiness · survival · marathon · slog · ordeal · test
marathon
Long-distance footrace
- triathlonThree-event endurance contest
- ironmanLong-distance triathlon competitor
- ultramarathonRace longer than 26.2 miles
bootcamp · training · regiment · workout · race · match · campaign · season · schedule · tour
gruellingeffortless
Requiring no strain
easy · undemanding · light · simple · painless
gruellingpleasant
Giving enjoyment or comfort
relaxing · leisurely · refreshing · restful · restorative