painstaking

[peynz-tey-king, peyn-stey-]

adjective

1. taking taking or characterized by taking pains or trouble; expending or showing diligent care and effort; careful.

   a painstaking craftsman; painstaking research.

   Synonyms: scrupulous, thorough

noun

1. careful and diligent effort.

painstaking

/ ˈpeɪnzˌteɪkɪŋ /

adjective

1. extremely careful, esp as to fine detail

   painstaking research

Other Word Forms

• painstakingly adverb
• painstakingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of painstaking¹

First recorded in 1550–60; pain + -s ³ + taking

Synonym Study

Painstaking, careful, meticulous, conscientious all describe persons or behavior demonstrating attention to detail and effective task performance. painstaking stresses diligent and assiduous attention to detail in achieving a desired objective: a painstaking technician; the painstaking editing of a manuscript. Careful , the most general in sense of these words, implies serious intent to perform well and accurately whatever task one has in hand: a careful housepainter; a careful study of the social structure of gangs. Meticulous suggests extreme attention to details, especially the most minute, coupled with an almost obsessive desire to avoid error: a meticulous silversmith, every detail finished to perfection; fussily meticulous about matching shoes and clothing. Conscientious stresses scrupulous effort to obey one's sense of moral obligation to perform tasks well: a conscientious public defender; a conscientious description of the robbery.

Example Sentences

And yet Levy's painstaking negotiating style - ruthless and determined to get the best deal - has been a constant narrative used against him during his time as chairman.

From BBC

But next is the painstaking work of entomologists going on foot to inspect the trees themselves.

From BBC

Cordova visited the studios throughout the production, gaining a deeper appreciation for the painstaking technique in which every element has to be physically crafted.

From Los Angeles Times

The graffiti is likely to remain until a new owner takes on the painstaking task of removing it.

From Los Angeles Times

"I was so happy, even though it was painstaking and tiring," she says.

From BBC

Related Words

• assiduous 
• careful 
• conscientious 
• diligent 
• earnest 
• exacting 
• scrupulous 
• strenuous