Word
agonizing
Phoneticsag·o·niz·ing, stress on the first syllable
/ˈæɡənaɪzɪŋ/
UK spelling · agonising
Definition
v. causing extreme physical or mental pain. You use this to describe something that is very difficult to watch or experience.
v. causing extreme physical or mental suffering; extremely difficult to endure. Often used to describe processes, experiences, or situations that are slow and painful.
Examples
“The long wait for the results was agonizing.”
“The athlete endured an agonizing recovery process after the serious knee injury during the championship game.”
“The public's agonizing wait for the truth was finally ended when the investigation concluded that the accident was caused by a mechanical failure rather than human error.”
Examples
simple
“The long wait for the results was agonizing.”
contextual
“The athlete endured an agonizing recovery process after the serious knee injury during the championship game.”
complex
“The public's agonizing wait for the truth was finally ended when the investigation concluded that the accident was caused by a mechanical failure rather than human error.”
Real-World Examples
“I also struggled over the agonising decision I'd made to put her to sleep, even though I knew it was the kindest thing for her.” “Arsenal face mouthwatering assignments against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as they bid to go one better than last season’s agonising near miss and win a first Champions League title.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/agonizing