Difference between exhausting and exhaustive

[Guest]

Test No. incompl/advan-89 "GMAT Verbal Quiz (12)", question 10

I've looked everywhere for my key and even carried out an ......... search of my car but I can't find that book.

(a) exhausted
(b) exhausting
(c) exhaust
(d) exhaustive

Test No. incompl/advan-89 "GMAT Verbal Quiz (12)", answer 10

I've looked everywhere for my key and even carried out an exhaustive search of my car but I can't find that book.

Correct answer: (d) exhaustive

Your answer was: incorrect
I've looked everywhere for my key and even carried out an exhausting search of my car but I can't find that book.
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I always mix "exhaustive" and "exhausting". Can you give me a helping hand how to remember best when to use which?

[Alan]

Exhaustive means very thorough and exhausting means very tiring.
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Have a Break!