painstaking
gb/pˈeɪnstˌeɪkɪŋ/ us/pˈeɪnstˌeɪkɪŋ/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
C1
property
1
done with great care and effort
very careful and detailed, and taking a lot of time and effort
Usage pattern:
painstaking [work/research/analysis/effort/process]
Common mistake:
Often used for tasks and processes (painstaking research), not for sudden actions (not usually *a painstaking decision*).
Synonyms
meticulous (Strong focus on small details and accuracy.)
|
thorough (Emphasizes completeness as well as care.)
|
careful (More general and less strong than 'painstaking'.)
Antonyms
careless (Lacking attention and caution.)
|
slapdash (Done quickly and carelessly, without quality.)
Collocations
painstaking work
|painstaking research
|painstaking analysis
|painstaking effort
|painstaking investigation
|painstaking preparation
|painstaking detail
|painstaking care
|painstaking process
|painstaking documentation
Themes
work
|education
|research
|writing
Examples
- The report was the result of painstaking research over several years.
- She checked every figure with painstaking care before submitting the budget.
- Restoring the old painting was painstaking work, but the final result was stunning.
Learner examples
- He did a painstaking job on the project.
- This kind of translation is slow and painstaking.
Grammar
Dictionary form
painstaking
IPA
GB/pˈeɪnstˌeɪkɪŋ/
US/pˈeɪnstˌeɪkɪŋ/
Syllables & stress
painstak - ing (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (painstak)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: painstaking
Word family
Core family
painstakingly
adverb C1
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.