demanding
6 synonyms and 1 antonyms for demanding, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Requiring a lot of effort, skill, or patience.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use demanding
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “demanding” mean?
The word “demanding” means requiring a lot of effort, skill, or patience. In plain terms, something that takes a lot out of you, or someone who expects a lot from others.
How do you pronounce “demanding”?
“Demanding” is pronounced dih-MAHN-dihng (/dəˈmændɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “demanding” in a sentence?
Here is “demanding” used in a sentence: “Nursing is a physically and emotionally demanding job.”
What is the opposite of “demanding”?
The opposite of “demanding” — its antonyms — is undemanding.
What part of speech is “demanding”?
“Demanding” is an adjective.
Is “demanding” a common word?
“Demanding” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “demanding” have?
“Demanding” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: requiring a lot of effort, skill, or patience.
What is the difference between "demanding" and "challenging"?
Both describe tasks that require effort, but "challenging" often carries a positive sense of a rewarding test of ability, while "demanding" stresses that something requires a lot of effort, skill, or patience and can feel draining. A challenging project can be enjoyable, whereas a demanding one emphasizes the heavy toll it takes.
What is the difference between a "demanding" person and a "demanding" job?
A "demanding" job is one that requires a lot of effort, skill, or patience, while a "demanding" person expects high standards from others and is not easily satisfied. The same word describes either the workload of a task or the high expectations of a person.
What is the difference between "demanding" and "strict"?
"Strict" means firmly enforcing rules and discipline, while "demanding" means expecting a high standard and being hard to satisfy. A strict person insists on obedience to rules, whereas a demanding person keeps pushing for better results.
Is calling someone "demanding" a compliment or a criticism?
Describing a person as "demanding" is usually mild criticism, suggesting they expect a high standard from others and are not easily satisfied. Applied to a task, however, "demanding" is more neutral and simply means it requires considerable effort or skill.