exhaustive

/ɪɡˈzɔːstɪv/ Formal

Say it: ig-ZAW-stiv

adjective Including or considering all elements or aspects; fully comprehensive and thorough.
The detective conducted an exhaustive investigation, leaving no stone unturned.

📖 Seen in the wild

The researcher conducted an exhaustive study, leaving no stone unturned in her quest for data.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ exhaustive in a sentence

The report provided an exhaustive analysis of the company's financial situation.
Before making a decision, the board requested an exhaustive review of all available options.
Her knowledge of 19th-century literature is exhaustive.
We created what we thought was an exhaustive list of supplies, but we still forgot the tent poles.
The government commission published an exhaustive, multi-volume study on the crisis.
An exhaustive search of the database revealed no prior record of the individual.
The onboarding process includes an exhaustive training program covering every aspect of the job.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

comprehensive thorough complete in-depth all-inclusive encyclopedic total full-scale

comprehensive · focuses on covering a wide scope or breadth of subject matter.

thorough · emphasizes careful attention to detail at every step of a process.

complete · suggests that nothing is missing and the task is finished.

in-depth · highlights the level of detail and deep analysis involved.

Opposites: incomplete, partial, cursory, superficial, sketchy

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'exhaustive' flows from the verb 'exhaust', which originally meant 'to draw out' or 'drain'. It comes from the Latin 'exhaurire', combining 'ex-' (out) and 'haurire' (to draw or drain). An exhaustive list or study is one where every last detail has been drawn out, leaving nothing behind.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

exhaustive listexhaustive searchexhaustive studyexhaustive analysisexhaustive reviewnot exhaustive

Be careful not to confuse 'exhaustive' (thorough) with 'exhausting' (tiring). While an exhaustive search might also be exhausting, the words are not interchangeable. 'Exhaustive' is a strong word that implies absolute completeness. Avoid using it for simple lists or tasks; calling your grocery list 'exhaustive' would be an exaggeration unless you truly listed every conceivable item in the store.

Word family: exhaust, exhaustion, exhaustively, inexhaustible

💬 Quick answers

What does exhaustive mean?

Exhaustive means including all possible elements, details, or aspects, leaving nothing out. It describes something that is completely thorough and comprehensive.

What is the difference between 'exhaustive' and 'exhausting'?

Exhaustive means complete and thorough (an exhaustive list). Exhausting means very tiring (an exhausting run). A task, like a search, can be both exhaustive in its scope and exhausting for the people doing it, but the words have distinct meanings.

Is 'exhaustive' a formal word?

Yes, 'exhaustive' is generally used in formal, academic, or professional contexts. In casual conversation, people are more likely to say 'a complete list' or 'a really thorough search'.

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