Exacting: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something requires a great deal of effort, care, or attention to detail. Often implies a high standard and can be seen as challenging.

• The project manager gave us exacting standards to meet.
• Being a surgeon is an exacting profession that requires precision.

Describes a person, job, or situation that requires a lot of effort, skill, or attention. Can have a slightly negative connotation if it implies being overly burdensome.

• Her boss is very demanding and expects her to work long hours.
• The training program was demanding but very rewarding.

Implies thoroughness and strictness in following rules, procedures, or standards. Often used in academic or scientific contexts.

• The study underwent rigorous testing before publication.
• Training for the marathon involved a rigorous schedule.

Indicates clarity and accuracy, often related to measurements, instructions, or details. It can also describe a person who is very exact in their actions or words.

• The scientist provided a precise explanation of the experiment.
• Her instructions were precise, leaving no room for error.

Refers to adhering closely to rules, standards, or requirements. Often describes a person who enforces rules firmly and without flexibility.

• The school has a strict uniform policy.
• Her parents were very strict about curfew times.

Used to describe someone who pays close attention to detail and is very careful and precise in their actions or work.

• He is meticulous in his writing, ensuring every detail is perfect.
• The artist was known for her meticulous brushwork.

Applied when referring to a situation or task that requires great attention to detail and precision. It can also refer to a person who has high expectations.

• The project manager was exacting in her standards, ensuring everything was perfect.
• Sewing that dress is an exacting task due to the tiny stitches needed.

Used to describe a person or task that requires a lot of effort, attention, or time. This word can have a negative connotation if it implies unreasonable expectations.

• Being a nurse is a demanding job, with long hours and high stress.
• Her boss is very demanding, often expecting her to work overtime.

A broad term used to describe something or someone that is hard to deal with or accomplish.

• Solving this math problem is quite difficult; it needs a lot of thought.
• He is difficult to work with due to his uninterested attitude.

Typically used to describe a person who has very high standards and is often unsatisfied. This usually has a negative connotation, implying the person is overly critical.

• The client is known for being hard-to-please, always requesting changes.
• She has a hard-to-please personality, rarely happy with anyone's effort.

Refers to someone who is not satisfied with anything less than perfect and strives for flawlessness. This can be both positive and negative depending on the situation.

• As a perfectionist, he reworks his paintings multiple times until they are just right.
• Her perfectionist tendencies mean she often works late to meet her own high standards.