English Reference
Adverb

painstakingly

adv.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈpeɪnˌsteɪkɪŋɫi/ UK /pˈeɪnsteɪkɪŋli/ painstak·ing·ly

adv.to do something with great care and attention to detail. You use this when someone works very slowly and carefully to make sure everything is perfect.

adv.in a manner requiring great care, effort, and attention to detail. Often used to describe a process that is slow but thorough.


SIMPLE

She painstakingly cleaned the old painting for hours.

CONTEXTUAL

The researchers painstakingly analyzed every piece of evidence before they could reach a final conclusion.

COMPLEX

The restoration of the cathedral was painstakingly carried out over several decades, with every stone and carving returned to its original position with surgical precision.

Jefferis' team and collaborators painstakingly analysed every nerve cell, every wire and every connection in a male fruit fly.

BBC News· 3 Sept 2026

The road narrows as you enter Panna Tiger Reserve, one of central India's most ecologically rich corridors, home to tigers, gharials, and vultures painstakingly brought back from the edge of local extinction.

Al Jazeera· 15 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated