punishing

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.

But the store proved punishing - staffing costs were high, rent kept rising, and foot traffic never recovered after the pandemic.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Emerging-markets stocks are still beating their U.S. rivals this year, even after a recent bout of volatility triggered a punishing but mercifully short-lived selloff.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

For nearly two years, Al-Shubbak watched through ancient grey eyes as Tuti, the crescent-shaped island in the heart of the Sudanese capital she calls home, emptied of its inhabitants under a punishing paramilitary siege.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

When the third round begins on Saturday, it will be baked by some of the most punishing heat in the 90-year history of the Masters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Are my biochips punishing me for trying to reveal the truth?

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson