exhaustive search

Meaning

An 'exhaustive search' is a highly thorough, complete, and systematic investigation or hunt where no stone is left unturned. It implies that every possible location, resource, or option has been checked to find something or someone. The tone is serious, professional, and methodical.

Examples

• The police conducted an exhaustive search of the forest but found no trace of the missing hiker.

  The police conducted an exhaustive search of the forest but found no trace of the missing hiker.

• After an exhaustive search of the archives, the historian finally located the original charter.

  After an exhaustive search of the archives, the historian finally located the original charter.

• We did an exhaustive search for the perfect candidate before hiring Sarah.

  We did an exhaustive search for the perfect candidate before hiring Sarah.

• The software performs an exhaustive search of the database to retrieve matches.

  The software performs an exhaustive search of the database to retrieve matches.

• Despite our exhaustive search for the lost keys, they were nowhere to be found.

  Despite our exhaustive search for the lost keys, they were nowhere to be found.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The detectives did an exhausting search of the crime scene.

  ✓ The detectives did an exhaustive search of the crime scene.

  'Exhausting' means tiring or draining of energy, whereas 'exhaustive' means comprehensive, thorough, and complete.

• ✗ We need to make an exhaustive search for the missing files.

  ✓ We need to conduct an exhaustive search for the missing files.

  In formal English, we typically 'conduct', 'carry out', or 'do' an exhaustive search, rather than 'make' one.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The rescue team conducted an ___ for survivors in the ruins.

  💡 a very thorough and complete hunt

  Show answer

  exhaustive search

• Our team carried out an ___ of the literature before starting the project.

  💡 comprehensive review or look-up

  Show answer

  exhaustive search