demanding

Needing a lot of your time, attention, or effort.

• She has a demanding job.
• The course became more demanding in the second year.
• Looking after three young children can be demanding.

Similar words: challenging, taxing

Opposites: easy, undemanding

Common phrases: demanding job, demanding task, demanding schedule

Needing a lot of strength, energy, or patience to get through.

• The climb was physically demanding.
• We crossed the most demanding part of the route.
• This demanding exercise left my legs shaking.

Similar words: strenuous, tough, taxing

Opposites: easy

Common phrases: physically demanding, demanding climb, demanding terrain

Expecting a very high standard or wanting a great deal from others.

• Our boss is very demanding.
• The chef’s demanding standards improved the food.
• Even the most demanding customers praised the service.

Similar words: exacting, hard to please

Opposites: undemanding, easygoing

Common phrases: demanding customer, demanding boss, demanding audience