adjective
- taking or characterized by taking pains or trouble; expending or showing diligent care and effort; careful: a painstaking craftsman; painstaking research.
noun
- careful and diligent effort.
adjective
- extremely careful, esp as to fine detailpainstaking research
1550s (n.), 1690s (adj.), paynes taking, from plural of pain (n.) + present participle of take (v.). Related: Painstakingly.