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.

The same dry heat that makes life punishing also makes the desert ideal for salt production -- Gujarat produces roughly three-quarters of India's total salt output.

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

The field is still searching for materials that can survive the punishing mix of saltwater chemistry, high voltage, and industrial operating demands.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

It was bought by Sony after the 2021 release of its last game Returnal - considered one of PS5's best games by many but notorious for its punishing difficulty.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

California was weathering its worst recession in decades and a punishing drought.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

It perpetuates the myth that the primary function of the system is to keep our streets safe and our homes secure by rooting out dangerous criminals and punishing them.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander