Exhaustive/ɪɡˈzɔːstɪv/ Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Meticulous Detail Means paying attention to every detail, not missing anything. The scientist gave an exhaustive description of the experiment process. Pro Tip 2/3Time Intensive Usually requires a lot of time to be thorough. The exhaustive background check took several weeks. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Positive Can suggest something is too detailed and possibly unnecessary. His exhaustive explanation was more confusing than helpful.