Painstaking/ˈpeɪnzteɪkɪŋ/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Positive Connotation Implies dedication and hard work, often for a job well done. Her painstaking efforts resulted in a flawless event. Pro Tip 2/3Attention to Detail Suggests a close focus on every small part of a task. The painter's painstaking technique captured every eyelash. Pro Tip 3/3Time Intensive Usually indicates a process that is slow and requires a lot of time. Compiling the report was a painstaking endeavor, taking weeks to complete.