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painstaking
/ˈpeɪnˌsteɪkɪŋ/
extremely careful and thorough
She did a painstaking job of restoring the antique clock.
She worked with extreme care and thoroughness to restore the antique clock.
formal
Done with great care and thoroughness, often involving much effort.
The historian's painstaking research uncovered new details about the event.
The historian's extremely careful and detailed research revealed new information.
He made a painstaking effort to ensure every detail was correct.
He worked meticulously to guarantee accuracy in every aspect.
Emphasizes both the effort and the meticulous attention to detail required.
Collocations
painstaking attention to detailextreme care and thoroughness in examining small partspainstaking processa task requiring great effort and precision
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'painstaking'
Reserve 'painstaking' for contexts where extreme care and effort are genuinely required. Overuse can dilute its impact.
Gold Rule
Use 'painstaking' for effortful care
This word describes actions done with meticulous attention to detail, not just any careful task. 'She was careful' is general; 'She did a painstaking job' implies significant effort and precision.
Word Origin
From 'pain' (meaning 'penalty' or 'labor') + 'taking' (gerund of 'take'), first recorded in the early 17th century. Originally meant 'involving great labor or effort,' later shifting to emphasize meticulous care.
Usage Notes
Used to describe actions or processes that require prolonged effort and precision. Often implies a positive quality of thoroughness rather than mere persistence.
Word Breakdown
pain
labor, effort, or penalty
roottaking
the act of taking (here, 'requiring effort')
suffixEnglish Dictionary