ɪɡˈzæktɪŋ ˈɛk.sɪ.dʒənt fæˈstɪdi.əs stɹɪkt requiring precise accuracy an exacting job became more exigent over his pronunciation severe and unremitting in making demands an exacting instructor a stern disciplinarian strict standards having complicated nutritional requirements; especially growing only in special artificial cultures fastidious microorganisms certain highly specialized xerophytes are extremely exacting in their requirements