ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bruising

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbɹuzɪŋ// UK //bɹˈuːzɪŋ// bruis·ing Slang

adj. showing dark marks on the skin from an injury. It can also describe a very difficult experience that leaves you feeling hurt or tired.

adj. describing an injury that results in discoloured skin from ruptured blood vessels, or metaphorically, an experience that is psychologically or physically punishing. Often used attributively to describe difficult competitions or negotiations.


SIMPLE

The players had a bruising match on Saturday.

CONTEXTUAL

After a bruising primary campaign, the candidate struggled to unite the different factions of her party.

COMPLEX

The company emerged from the bruising legal battle with its reputation intact, though its financial reserves were significantly depleted by the years of litigation.

Synonyms
Origin

From bruise + -ing.

Usage

Typically used as an adjective to describe physical injuries or intense, damaging experiences.

© 2026 English Reference