agonizing

1 of 2

adjective

ag·​o·​niz·​ing ˈa-gə-ˌnī-ziŋ 

: causing agony

an agonizing injury

agonizingly adverb

agonizing

2 of 2

present participle of agonize

Synonyms of agonizing

Adjective

• painful
• harsh
• torturous
• cruel

Examples of agonizing in a Sentence

Adjective

a long and agonizing battle with cancer

She made the agonizing decision to cancel the trip.

The agonizing wait was finally over.

He was in agonizing pain.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

So, in addition to a week of bloody diarrhea, vomiting and agonizing stomachaches, there’s also the possibility of hemolytic uremic syndrome or HUS. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

This chapter of American history reminds us that the quest for justice is a lengthy and often agonizing process—but incremental progress over time can truly change the world. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Cathy sets her family home ablaze to fake her own death and leave town; her parents suffer agonizing deaths in that fire. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026

Hamilton’s challenge to Marshall has generated national attention as Republicans prepare for a potentially agonizing midterm election. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of agonize

First Known Use

Adjective

1570, in the meaning defined above