Demanding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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demanding

[dɪˈmændɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

work environment

Requiring much attention, skill, or effort. Involving a lot of effort and attention from people in order to satisfy the needs of a particular situation or organization. Needing a lot of skill and patience to deal with, especially in a way that is not always fair.

Synonyms

challenging, exacting, rigorous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
demanding

Used to describe situations, tasks, or people that require a lot of effort, attention, and energy. Often used in both professional and personal contexts.

  • Her job as a surgeon is very demanding.
  • The teacher gave us a demanding assignment.
challenging

Used when referring to tasks or situations that are difficult but also offer an opportunity for personal or professional growth. It usually has a positive connotation.

  • The project was challenging but rewarding.
  • I like to work on challenging puzzles in my free time.
exacting

Describes situations or people that require very high standards, precision, and attention to detail. It can have a slightly negative connotation, implying strictness.

  • The standards for this experiment are exacting.
  • His exacting nature made him difficult to please.
rigorous

Used for processes, tests, or routines that are extremely thorough, strict, and accurate. Often used in academic, scientific, or technical contexts.

  • The scientist conducted a rigorous analysis of the data.
  • This fitness program is very rigorous.

Examples of usage

  • She is known for being a demanding boss who expects perfection.
  • The job was demanding but rewarding at the same time.
Context #2 | Verb

request

To ask for something forcefully, as if by right. To insist on having something. To claim as due or just.

Synonyms

claim, insist, request.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
demanding

This word is often used to describe something that requires a lot of effort, attention, or skill. It can also be used for people who have high expectations or make a lot of demands.

  • The job is quite demanding, requiring long hours and high concentration.
  • Her boss is really demanding, always expecting perfection in every task.
request

This word is more polite and formal than 'demand'. Use it when you are asking for something politely.

  • She requested a meeting with the manager.
  • I would like to request a day off next week.
insist

This word is typically used when someone is stating something firmly and repeatedly, often in the face of disagreement or resistance.

  • She insisted that we stay for dinner.
  • He insisted on paying for the meal.
claim

Use this word when someone is stating something to be true, especially when it is disputed or not yet proven. It can also be used in legal contexts to refer to a demand for something that one believes they are entitled to.

  • He claimed that he had seen a UFO.
  • She filed a claim for damages after the car accident.

Examples of usage

  • She demanded an explanation for his behavior.
  • The protesters demanded action from the government.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Demanding situations can lead to stress, as people feel pressured to meet high expectations.
  • Research shows that environments perceived as demanding can affect motivation, either positively or negatively.
  • When expectations are clear and fair, demanding environments can foster growth and resilience.

Workplace Dynamics

  • In jobs, a demanding boss might require more than just the basic tasks, but can also develop team skills.
  • Highly demanding professions, like surgery or air traffic control, require a lot of mental focus and stamina.
  • Finding a balance between demand and support is crucial for employee well-being.

Parenting

  • Some parenting styles are quite demanding, expecting children to excel in academics and extracurricular activities.
  • The balance in parenting—being both demanding and supportive—can lead to healthier child development.
  • Research shows that overly demanding parenting can lead to stress and resistance from children.

Education

  • Schools can be demanding, setting high academic standards which push students to perform better.
  • Teachers often aim to create a demanding but supportive learning environment to help students succeed.
  • Meeting demanding educational standards helps prepare students for real-world challenges.

Origin of 'demanding'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'demandare', meaning 'to entrust' or 'to command'.
  • In Middle English, 'demanding' had various meanings related to asking and requesting.
  • The transition to its modern sense includes notions of strictness or requiring significant effort.

The word 'demanding' originated from the verb 'demand', which comes from the Old French word 'demander', meaning 'to request'. The use of 'demanding' to describe something that requires a lot of effort or attention dates back to the early 17th century.


See also: demand, demandingly, demands.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,361 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.