# bruising

/ˈbɹuzɪŋ/ (US) · /bɹˈuːzɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bruising
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The players had a bruising match on Saturday.
- After a bruising primary campaign, the candidate struggled to unite the different factions of her party.
- The company emerged from the bruising legal battle with its reputation intact, though its financial reserves were significantly depleted by the years of litigation.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.