adj
C1
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torturous
TAWT-shuh-ruhs
Torturous (adj) means Extremely painful or agonizing. Example: “The final mile of the marathon felt torturous.”
adj
1
Extremely painful or agonizing.
"The final mile of the marathon felt torturous."
"It was a torturous wait for the test results."
How to use torturous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCausing intense pain or discomfort, physically or emotionally.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "tortuous," which describes something winding or full of twists and turns (like a road), not something painful.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more torturous
- Superlative
- most torturous
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The final mile of the marathon felt _____.
Etymology
From Middle English torterous, ultimately traced to Latin tortura, "torture."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for torturous
See all rhymes for torturous →Frequently asked questions
What does “torturous” mean?
The word “torturous” means extremely painful or agonizing. In plain terms, causing intense pain or discomfort, physically or emotionally.
How do you pronounce “torturous”?
“Torturous” is pronounced TAWT-shuh-ruhs (/ˈtɔɹt͡ʃəɹəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “torturous” in a sentence?
Here is “torturous” used in a sentence: “The final mile of the marathon felt torturous.”
What is another word for “torturous”?
Words with a similar meaning to “torturous” include tormentous.
What part of speech is “torturous”?
“Torturous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “torturous” come from?
The word “torturous” comes from Latin. From Middle English torterous, ultimately traced to Latin tortura, "torture.".
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