Demanding describes someone or something that requires a lot of effort, attention, skill, or time. A demanding teacher expects high-quality work and won't accept sloppy assignments. A demanding sport like gymnastics requires hours of practice every day. A demanding job might involve long hours, difficult problems, or constant pressure to perform well.

When describing a person, demanding usually means they have high standards and expect a lot from others. A demanding coach pushes athletes to reach their potential, even when training gets tough. A demanding parent might insist on finished homework before playtime and completed chores before weekend activities. While demanding people can sometimes feel frustrating, their high expectations can help others achieve more than they thought possible.

The word can also describe situations or tasks. A demanding hike might involve steep climbs and tricky terrain. A demanding math problem requires careful thinking and multiple steps to solve. When something is demanding, it asks a lot of you, whether that's physical energy, mental focus, or emotional strength.

People often use undemanding to describe the opposite: something easy or relaxing that doesn't require much effort, like reading a simple book or taking a leisurely walk.