What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
strenuous
Example
The hike up the mountain was very strenuous. [strenuous: adjective]
Example
She had a strenuous day at work, with back-to-back meetings and deadlines. [strenuous: adjective]
Example
The trainer put us through a strenuous workout that left us exhausted. [strenuous: adjective]
demanding
Example
Being a doctor is a demanding profession that requires years of training. [demanding: adjective]
Example
The project was very demanding, requiring a lot of research and analysis. [demanding: adjective]
Example
My boss is very demanding and expects a lot from her employees. [demanding: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Demanding is more commonly used than strenuous in everyday language. Demanding is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while strenuous is less common and typically used to describe physical activities or workouts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between strenuous and demanding?
Both strenuous and demanding can be used in formal and informal contexts, but demanding may be slightly more formal due to its association with high expectations and standards.