torturous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'torturous' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something that is very painful or difficult. For example, you can use the sentence, "The task of writing the essay was torturous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Given their torturous progress en route to the finishing line Wigan could have been forgiven for wishing the season had finished in March, when theirs had effectively ended.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's torturous, unforgiving, such a niggling pace," said Wiggins, although he conceded that he "had no physically bad spells, just a couple of moments when I wavered".

The Guardian - Sport

Because the banks will no longer deduct tax on HMRC's behalf and will pay interest gross, pensioners and others earning less than £10,800 will no longer have to go through the current, rather torturous, process of getting their interest paid tax free.

The Guardian - Money

Stuart Broad believes the reopening of the debate over Kevin Pietersen's future is the last thing England need during a torturous World Cup campaign.

The Guardian - Sport

The technology's torturous economics are, if anything, even trickier.

The Economist

Three of the local housewives have been driven mad by the inhospitable environment (and, in at least one case, by her own husband): jarring flashbacks keep reminding us how torturous their lives have been.

The Economist

What actually awaited him was psychiatric incarceration, with torturous insulin comas to burn "excess sugars" from the brain.He felt "captured like a chessman", but the brief, fragile remissions were unwelcome too.

The Economist

But many of Mr Obama's allies are less sure.Obamacare's implementation has always been torturous.

The Economist

HAMID KARZAI has been dealt a painful blow as the saga of Afghanistan's torturous presidential election drags on.

The Economist

Ling chi, also known as "slow slicing" or "death by a thousand cuts" was a method of torturous execution practiced in China.

Britannica

Her largely autobiographical Alberte trilogy (1926 39), a depiction of a young woman's often torturous journey toward maturity and her artistic calling, resonated powerfully among women readers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "torturous" to describe experiences or processes that are not only difficult but also inflict suffering or pain, either physically or emotionally. For instance, a "torturous" legal battle suggests a long and emotionally draining process.

Common error

Avoid using "torturous" when you mean "tortuous". "Tortuous" refers to something winding or twisting, like a road. "Torturous" means involving torture or extreme pain. For example, say "the road was tortuous" not "the road was torturous".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "torturous" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that causes or involves torture or extreme pain, as confirmed by Ludwig and illustrated in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "torturous" is an adjective used to describe something causing immense pain or suffering. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias contexts. Remember to use "torturous" to emphasize the painful nature of an event, avoiding confusion with "tortuous", which describes something winding or twisting. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "torturous" into your writing to convey the appropriate level of intensity and suffering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excruciating

Emphasizes intense physical or mental suffering.

agonizing

Focuses on prolonged mental or emotional distress.

harrowing

Highlights a deeply disturbing or distressing experience.

painful

A more general term for causing discomfort or distress.

difficult

Indicates a challenging or burdensome task or situation.

arduous

Stresses the effort and difficulty involved in a task.

grueling

Implies extreme exhaustion and strain.

oppressive

Suggests a sense of being weighed down or burdened.

trying

Focuses on testing one's patience and endurance.

unbearable

Highlights the inability to withstand something.

FAQs

How is "torturous" correctly used in a sentence?

Use "torturous" to describe something that causes immense pain or suffering, whether physical or emotional. Example: "The interrogation was a "torturous" ordeal."

What words can I use instead of "torturous"?

You can use synonyms such as "excruciating", "agonizing", or "harrowing" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "torturous" and "tortuous"?

"Torturous" describes something that involves torture or causes extreme pain. "Tortuous", on the other hand, means winding, twisting, or complex. For instance, a "torturous" experience is painful, while a "tortuous" road has many bends.

Is it appropriate to describe a difficult task as "torturous"?

Yes, it is appropriate if the task causes significant mental or emotional distress, making it feel like a form of torture. For example, "Writing the thesis was a "torturous" process."