adjective
Uncommon
exhaustive
ihg-ZAWS-tihv
Exhaustive (adjective) means covering every possible detail or angle; extremely thorough. Example: “The report gives an exhaustive account of the company's finances.”
adjective
1
Covering every possible detail or angle; extremely thorough.
"The report gives an exhaustive account of the company's finances."
"Detectives ran an exhaustive search of the property."
How to use exhaustive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo complete and detailed that nothing has been left out.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "exhausting" (tiring) — "exhaustive" describes thoroughness, not tiredness, though a very exhaustive task can also be exhausting.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
an exhaustive list
an exhaustive search
exhaustive research
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like exhaustive.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more exhaustive
- Superlative
- most exhaustive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The report gives an _____ account of the company's finances.
Etymology
From the same root as "exhaust" — the idea of thoroughness comes from treating a subject until nothing is left to add.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for exhaustive
See all rhymes for exhaustive →Frequently asked questions
What does “exhaustive” mean?
The word “exhaustive” means covering every possible detail or angle; extremely thorough. In plain terms, so complete and detailed that nothing has been left out.
How do you pronounce “exhaustive”?
“Exhaustive” is pronounced ihg-ZAWS-tihv (/ɪɡˈzɔstɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “exhaustive” in a sentence?
Here is “exhaustive” used in a sentence: “The report gives an exhaustive account of the company's finances.”
What part of speech is “exhaustive”?
“Exhaustive” is an adjective.
Is “exhaustive” a common word?
“Exhaustive” is an uncommon word in modern English.
