Select the most appropriate synonym of the underlined word
The project’s tight deadline and complex requirements made it a gruelling task for the team.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Challenging.
Given word: Gruelling
Meaning: Extremely tiring and demanding; requiring great effort and endurance.
Example: Climbing the mountain was a gruelling experience for the entire team.
Synonym: Challenging
Meaning: Difficult in a way that tests one’s ability or determination.
Example: The exam was challenging but manageable with good preparation.
Why it is correct: The sentence describes a task with a tight deadline and complex requirements, which makes it demanding and hard to handle — the essence of both gruelling and challenging.
Meaning of the other options:
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Inclusive: Open to everyone; not related to difficulty.
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Accessible: Easy to reach or use; opposite of gruelling.
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Empowering: Giving someone confidence or control; not a synonym for tiring or difficult.
Hence, the chosen option will be correct.