# painstaking

/ˈpeɪnˌsteɪkɪŋ/ (US) · /pˈeɪnsteɪkɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/painstaking
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

describing work that is done with great care and attention to detail. It usually takes a lot of time and effort to finish.

For teachers: characterised by extreme care, precision, and thoroughness in execution. Often implies a laborious process that requires significant mental or physical effort.

## Examples

- The artist spent painstaking hours painting the small details.
- The researchers conducted a painstaking analysis of the data to ensure no small error went unnoticed.
- The restoration of the ancient manuscript required painstaking attention to the delicate ink, as any sudden movement could cause the fragile pages to tear.

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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.