Exhaustive
/ɪɡˈzɔːstɪv/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Exhaustive describes something that is very detailed and covers all parts or possibilities. When you do an exhaustive search or study, you look at everything carefully so nothing is missed. It means being very complete and thorough.
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See It in Action
Complete and including all information or parts
- •The report was exhaustive, covering every aspect of the project.
- •She made an exhaustive list of all the books she wanted to read.
- •The research was exhaustive and left no question unanswered.
Thorough and careful, leaving nothing out
- •The doctor did an exhaustive examination to find the problem.
- •We did an exhaustive search of the house for the lost keys.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "exhaustive" like "complete," but much stronger—like you checked every single detail, not just most of them
- ✓Picture a big book or list where every little thing about a topic is written down, leaving no question unanswered
- ✓It's the feeling when you finish cleaning your room and know every corner is perfectly clean—nothing left behind
- ✓Sounds like "eg-ZAW-stive" → imagine someone so tired (exhausted) after doing all the work, they covered everything fully
- ✓Think of a detective who looks at every clue carefully, not missing anything in the case
- ✓NOT like "partial" (only some parts), "exhaustive" means ALL parts are included
- ✓NOT like "quick" or "simple"—exhaustive means slow, careful, and very detailed
Try Other Words
- •Thorough: very detailed and careful (Use when emphasizing carefulness)
- •Comprehensive: covering all parts or subjects (Use when emphasizing wide coverage)
- •Detailed: including many small parts or facts (Use when focusing on small pieces of information)
Unboxing
- •Prefix "ex-" means "out of" or "completely"
- •Root "haust" comes from Latin "exhaurire," meaning "to draw out" or "empty"
- •Suffix "-ive" turns the word into an adjective describing a quality or tendency
- •Originally, "exhaustive" meant something that completely uses up or empties resources, now it means fully covering or including everything
- •Today, it is used to describe very complete and careful work, like studies, lists, or searches
Reflect & Connect
•How can doing an exhaustive task help prevent mistakes or problems later?
•Can something be too exhaustive, making it hard to understand or use? Why or why not?
Fill in the blanks
1.An exhaustive report ___ every detail so the readers understand the whole situation.
2.When the team did an exhaustive search, they left no ___ unchecked.
3.Unlike a quick review, an exhaustive study requires ___ time and effort.
4.She made an exhaustive list, including ___ the small and big items.
5.Doctors perform exhaustive exams to ___ all possible causes of illness.
6.If a task is not exhaustive, it might ___ important information.
7.An exhaustive investigation usually ___ many hours or days to complete.