Definition
Something that is painstaking requires a lot of effort, time, and attention to detail. It involves being meticulous and careful in completing a task or project.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
thorough, careful, meticulous, detailed, diligent, scrupulous
Antonyms
careless, sloppy, hasty, negligent, cursory
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | painstakingnesses, painstakingness |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | painstaking |
| Adverb | painstakingly |
Example Sentences
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The artist spent months creating a painstakingly detailed painting of the city skyline.
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The author’s research was so painstaking that it took her several years to complete the book.
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The chef’s recipe called for painstakingly chopping and measuring each ingredient to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
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The construction workers took a painstaking approach to laying the foundation, making sure every measurement was accurate.
Usage
The word “painstaking” describes something that requires a lot of effort and attention to detail. It implies a level of meticulousness and thoroughness in completing a task or project, often to achieve a high level of quality or precision.
The word “painstaking” can also be used with prefixes and suffixes to create related words. For example, “painstakingly” is the adverb form of “painstaking,” and it emphasizes the effort and care that went into completing a task or project. “Painstaker” is a rare noun that refers to someone who is painstaking or meticulous in their work, while “painstakingness” is a noun that refers to the quality or state of being painstaking.
The word “painstaking” is derived from the root word “pain,” which means effort or suffering. This root can also be seen in related words like “painful,” “pains-taking,” and “painstakingly.” The prefix “pain” in “painstaking” can also be interpreted as meaning “taking pains,” or putting in a lot of effort and care.
Overall, the word “painstaking” is a useful way to describe something that requires a lot of effort, time, and attention to detail. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from creative projects like art and writing to more technical fields like construction and engineering. By emphasizing the importance of careful and meticulous work, the word “painstaking” encourages us to strive for excellence and precision in all that we do.