If you want to present a challenging path a character in your book is taking, illustrate it using the following 10 words to describe a difficult journey.
1. Trying
Definition
Challenging or straining; reaching or surpassing one’s endurance.
Examples
“The journey was a long and trying one, and by the end of it, they were all relieved to have finally reached their destination.”
“After their trying journey there, they took a long, well-earned rest.”
How It Adds Description
If a journey is difficult, then that can require a serious test of endurance. Describing the journey as a trying one can emphasize how difficult the journey was. You can use this word with some flexibility as well since a journey could be physically or emotionally trying.
2. Long
Definition
Extending a significant distance or spanning a great length.
Examples
“Getting to the other side of the mountains would entail a long, difficult journey.”
“If they wanted to reach their destination in time, they knew they would have to head out on their long journey as soon as possible.”
How It Adds Description
There are a lot of things that can make a journey difficult, including the length of the journey itself. Putting your character on a long journey can add even more tension to your story and make it more rewarding when your character finally reaches their destination.
3. Onerous
Definition
Involving or imposing a burden.
Examples
“They all knew it would be a tiresome, onerous journey, so they made sure that they had packed all the supplies they would need.”
“She thought many times about giving up on her onerous journey, but she knew that what waited for her ahead would be worth all the trouble she had gone to.”
How It Adds Description
Onerous isn’t a word one sees often, so it can stand out to your readers. Seeing it can help to emphasize how much of a burden the adventure that your character is going on is to them.
4. Grueling
Definition
Punishing; difficult to the point of exhaustion.
Examples
“After their long, grueling journey, they rewarded themselves with a hearty meal and a long, restful sleep.”
“Getting to the other side of the map would without a doubt be a grueling task, but it was one that the entire team was up for.”
How It Adds Description
Want to ensure that your readers know difficult the journey is on your character? Use the word grueling. This word can emphasize that not only is the journey hard, but it feels close to a punishment.
5. Exhausting
Definition
Examples
“Since they had to plan for such an exhausting journey, they spent a long time beforehand making sure that they would have all the supplies they needed.”
“When he started on the road, he had been keen and bright-eyed, but by the end of the exhausting and challenging journey, all he wanted to do was rest.”
How It Adds Description
Something that is exhausting is more than just a little tiring. Calling the journey exhausting will help to describe both the physical state as well as the mental state your character is in when the journey is finally done.
6. Uphill
Definition
Upward on an incline or hill; against challenges.
Examples
“The uphill journey left them feeling nothing but tired by the end of it.”
“She knew that what she would find at the end of the road would be worth it, but the uphill climb was going to make things that much more challenging.”
How It Adds Description
The word uphill can be used literally to describe an inclined terrain your character must go up. You can also use it metaphorically to demonstrate that your character must face other challenges along the way to their destination.
7. Formidable
Definition
Causing feelings of apprehension or dread; impressive of instilling feelings of wonder.
Examples
“He had no idea what he would find at the end of his formidable journey.”
“As she looked at the map in front of her, she considered what she would have to bring with her on such a formidable journey.”
How It Adds Description
If the journey that one of your characters is going on is quite daunting, then you can describe it as formidable. You can also use it in a slightly more positive sense to show that the journey inspires feelings of awe.
8. Intimidating
Definition
Causing a loss of confidence and inspiring feelings of timidity, fear, or anxiety.
Examples
“At first it had seemed like an easy adventure, but the more he thought about it, the more intimidating it became.”
“The map had seemed intimidating at the time, but now that she was well on her way, the road seemed much easier.”
How It Adds Description
If a journey looks like it’s going to be particularly long or hard, then it’s probably going to be pretty intimidating for the character going on it. This word will help describe the tension your character is experiencing.
9. Rough
Definition
Marked by difficult terrain; challenging to travel through or across; not easy.
Examples
“The journey would be a rough one, and would require packing several days’ worth of supplies.”
“They would follow the rough road all the way to the end.”
How It Adds Description
The word rough can be used to describe the actual terrain that your characters are traveling across. You can also use it to describe the journey itself, as calling something rough means that it is challenging or not easy.
10. Satisfying
Definition
Rewarding; causing feelings of contentment or pleasure by providing something needed.
Examples
“After such a difficult but satisfying journey, the team was rewarded with some good food and a few comfortable beds to sleep on.”
“She knew that despite all the challenges, the journey would be satisfying, especially once she reached the hidden treasure.”
How It Adds Description
A difficult journey doesn’t have to be entirely negative! When your character finally reaches the end of their road, they’re likely to find a lot of satisfaction. Describing the relief and reward your characters have achieved through this journey will make it feel satisfying to your readers as well.