Word
punishing
Phoneticspun·ish·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpənɪʃɪŋ/
UK/pˈʌnɪʃɪŋ/
Definitions
01physically or mentally demanding
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. extremely difficult and tiring, often because it requires a lot of effort over a long time.
adj. extremely arduous or gruelling; requiring an exhausting amount of physical or mental exertion.
“The athletes had a punishing training schedule before the big race.”
“The mountain climbers faced a punishing ascent, battling both the steep terrain and the thinning oxygen levels near the summit.”
Usage
Often used to describe schedules, workouts, or workloads.
Teaching tip
Remind students that while 'punish' is about a penalty, 'punishing' usually describes the difficulty of a task rather than a literal punishment.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02harsh or damaging
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. very harsh or severe, often causing damage or pain.
adj. inflicting severe pain, damage, or hardship; often used figuratively to describe economic or environmental conditions.
“The farmers struggled to survive during the punishing heat of the summer.”
“The small business was unable to withstand the punishing taxes imposed by the new local administration.”
Usage
Commonly collocates with weather conditions like 'heat' or 'cold', or economic terms like 'taxes' or 'tariffs'.
Real-World Examples
“Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm on Sunday after skirting Hawaii without making landfall, but it wasn’t done punishing the Big Island with hurricane-force gusts.” “Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm Sunday after skirting Hawaii without making landfall, but it wasn't done punishing the Big Island with hurricane-force gusts.” - 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/punishing