If you describe a study, search, or list as exhaustive, you mean that it is very thorough and complete.
This is not an exhaustive list but it shows how many projects are taking place.
The author's treatment of the subject is exhaustive.
Synonyms: thorough, detailed, complete, full More Synonyms of exhaustive
exhaustivelyadverb [usually ADVERB with verb, oft ADVERB adjective]
Hawley said these costs were scrutinised exhaustively by independent accountants.
...an exhaustively researched, sensitively written account.
exhaustive in British English
(ɪɡˈzɔːstɪv)
adjective
1.
comprehensive in scope; thorough
an exhaustive survey
2.
tending to exhaust
Derived forms
exhaustively (exˈhaustively)
adverb
exhaustiveness (exˈhaustiveness) or exhaustivity (exˌhausˈtivity)
noun
exhaustive in American English
(ɛgˈzɔstɪv; ɪgˈzɔstɪv)
adjective
leaving nothing out; covering every possible detail; thorough
Derived forms
exhaustively (exˈhaustively)
adverb
Word origin
ML exhaustivus
Examples of 'exhaustive' in a sentence
exhaustive
The soul searching has been exhaustive and exhausting.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
This is not an exhaustive list at all.
Christianity Today (2000)
You are intellectually engaged and often willing to do exhaustive research.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
This list is by no means exhaustive but it shows the kind of range that is available.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The spa has an exhaustive list of treatments at extra cost.
The Sun (2012)
Doubtless this is not an exhaustive list.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The following is by no means an exhaustive list of all of the shops that sell organic wine.
Lockspeiser, Jerry & Gear, Jackie Thorsons Organic Wine Guide (1991)
The list is exhaustive and exhausting.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Again no exhaustive list was attempted.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Their account is not exhaustive, but suggestive of a wide field for future endeavour.
The Times Literary Supplement (2014)
In the early years fears about blood clots, heart attacks and strokes inspired exhaustive research.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In some cases the connection is tenuous, but its list is by no means exhaustive.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
It is an exhaustive list, but should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Indeed it is the security services' exhaustive attention to detail and evidence that has made it difficult to secure convictions.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The experiments they cite have methodological weaknesses that limit their relevance to humans, or have been superseded by more exhaustive research.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
No other athlete in Britain has undergone such an exhaustive, globetrotting search for success.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It's by no means exhaustive, but it covers the main areas.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
He was particularly good at sledging opposing batsmen, unsettling them with exhaustive accounts of his Italian sketching tours.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It is not an exhaustive account of what is available, but it will give you an introduction to some of the most popular forms of complementary medicine.
MacEoin, Beth Healthy By Nature (1994)
After an exhaustive search, a string of names and endless speculation, we have got a bloke who was already there.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
In other languages
exhaustive
British English: exhaustive ADJECTIVE
If you describe a study, search, or list as exhaustive, you mean that it is very thorough and complete.
This is by no means an exhaustive list but it gives an indication of the many projects taking place.
American English: exhaustive
Brazilian Portuguese: exaustivo
Chinese: 详尽无遗的
European Spanish: exhaustivo
French: exhaustif
German: erschöpfend
Italian: esauriente
Japanese: 余すところのない
Korean: 완벽한
European Portuguese: exaustivo
Latin American Spanish: exhaustivo
(adjective)
Definition
very thorough
The author's treatment of the subject is exhaustive.
Synonyms
thorough
We are making a thorough investigation.
detailed
a detailed account of the discussions
complete
He made me look like a complete idiot.
full
They can now publish a full list of candidates.
total
The car was in a total mess.
I mean I'm not a total idiot.
sweeping
sweeping economic reforms
comprehensive
The book is a comprehensive guide to the region.
extensive
The story generated extensive comment on social media.
intensive
several days and nights of intensive negotiations
full-scale
the possibility of a full-scale nuclear war
in-depth
far-reaching
all-inclusive
all-embracing
encyclopedic
He has an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music.