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

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 notes

In 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

exhausting →

Common pairings

an exhaustive list an exhaustive search exhaustive research

Word forms

more exhaustive comparative, most exhaustive superlative

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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.

Rhymes for exhaustive

five give dive live olive drive alive strive derive active arrive native

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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.