agonizing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For students prepping for life after college, it’s an agonizing challenge: Internships are becoming more critical to landing that first job—yet are getting harder to come by.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

In an agonizing twist, just as the show had gotten underway, Jordan received word she had been accepted by a professional ballet company.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

While Catholic kids have usually been led to assume that the baby Jesus arrived on the wings of doves, Mary’s labor is nothing short of agonizing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Fernanda, a Florida restaurant worker, made an agonizing decision after the father of her children was arrested and deported: She would send their toddler son and 4-year-old daughter to Guatemala to live with him.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

The viselike pressure of countless tons of water above compressed me from every direction, and my lungs were full of agonizing fire.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda