exhaustive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "exhaustive" is a valid and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a thorough or detailed examination, or a comprehensive search. For example, "We conducted an exhaustive investigation into the cause of the accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Retaliation from the rightwing twittersphere was swift and violent, as Khalek documented in an exhaustive (and exhausting) post at Alternet.

The Guardian - Opinion

Regarding these pieces, Oliver Sacks once said, "Style is the deepest part of one's being, and may be preserved, almost to the last, in a dementia .Part of the exhibition's appeal is its exhaustive (and exhausting) quality.

The Economist

This list is far from exhaustive.

The Guardian

I had not been using the service cannily, to complete an exhaustive music collection – as Winter had, for instance.

The Guardian - Music

Similarly, the UNHCR puts out regular updates and news items, and produces an exhaustive annual global report.

The Guardian

There is no exhaustive ranking of the safest cities for women, but one survey last year looked specifically at how safe women were on public transport.

The Guardian

The EU's original decision last year surprised many observers, as the then-competition commissioner Joaquín Almunia had previously expressed scepticism about Hinkley's' conformity with an exhaustive list of strict state aid criteria.

The Guardian

The list of incidents is not exhaustive and was prepared on the basis of publicly available information.

The Guardian - Sport

Nice is expected to say that exhaustive research has shown that manipulation of a patient's spine can be effective in relieving the symptoms of low back pain and recommend that GPs refer sufferers for up to nine sessions with an osteopath, chiropractor or physiotherapist who is trained in manipulation, or an acupuncturist.

The Guardian

Alistair and Jonny Brownlee have called for an overhaul of the international triathlon calendar as they prepare to take some respite from an exhaustive summer schedule.

The Guardian - Sport

It took over half an hour for questioners to complete the exhaustive questions, which also tested the popularity of individual no campaign leaders.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exhaustive", ensure that the context genuinely reflects a comprehensive and thorough approach. Avoid using it loosely to describe something that is merely extensive but not truly complete.

Common error

Avoid using "exhaustive" when the process or analysis is not truly all-encompassing. Instead, consider alternatives like "extensive" or "thorough" if some aspects were not fully explored.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "exhaustive" is as an adjective that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun it describes is comprehensive and thorough. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in describing processes, lists, research and reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

26%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exhaustive" functions as an adjective signifying completeness and thoroughness. As Ludwig AI states, it is used in a grammaticaly correct way. It commonly appears in news, formal business, and scientific contexts, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the subject it modifies. While it's a versatile term, be mindful not to overstate its usage; ensure that the context genuinely reflects a complete approach. Consider alternatives like "thorough" or "detailed" when a less comprehensive approach is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thorough

A shorter, more direct synonym emphasizing completeness.

comprehensive

Highlights the inclusion of all relevant details.

all-inclusive

Stresses that nothing is left out or excluded.

complete

A basic synonym focusing on the absence of gaps or omissions.

detailed

Emphasizes the level of attention given to each aspect.

in-depth

Suggests a deep and thorough exploration of a topic.

meticulous

Focuses on the precision and attention to detail.

painstaking

Highlights the effort and care taken to ensure thoroughness.

scrupulous

Emphasizes the ethical and moral commitment to thoroughness.

all-embracing

Indicates a scope that covers everything without exception.

FAQs

How to use "exhaustive" in a sentence?

You can use "exhaustive" to describe a complete and thorough process. For example, "The investigation was "thorough" and "complete", leaving no stone unturned".

What can I say instead of "exhaustive"?

You can use alternatives like "thorough", "comprehensive", or "detailed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "exhaustive research" or "exhausting research"?

"Exhaustive research" refers to research that is thorough and complete. "Exhausting research" refers to research that is tiring. While research can be both, be sure to select the word that matches your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "exhaustive" and "extensive"?

"Exhaustive" implies a complete and thorough examination, covering all possible aspects, whereas "extensive" suggests a broad coverage but not necessarily complete or all-encompassing. A helpful analogy is that something extensive covers a wide area, whereas something exhaustive goes deep.