laborious
What does "laborious" mean?
The word "laborious" describes a task or process that requires a significant amount of time, effort, and energy to complete. It evokes the mental image of someone sweating over a complex project, moving slowly and methodically because the work is heavy or intricate. While "hard" can be used for almost anything, "laborious" is specifically reserved for tasks that are tedious, repetitive, or physically demanding. It is often used in professional or academic contexts to emphasize that a result was earned through sheer persistence rather than ease or quick intelligence.
"laborious" in conversation
Reviewing a project
Did you finish the data entry for the quarterly report?
Did you finish the data entry for the quarterly report?
Finally. It was a laborious process, but it’s done.
Finally. It was a laborious process, but it’s done.
Used to emphasize the tedious nature of a task.
Discussing home renovation
Are you going to sand the floors yourself?
Are you going to sand the floors yourself?
I thought about it, but it sounds like a laborious job. I might hire a professional.
I thought about it, but it sounds like a laborious job. I might hire a professional.
Highlights the physical effort involved.
"laborious" in a sentence
Cleaning the garage was a laborious task.
Cleaning the garage was a laborious task.
The author spent years on the laborious process of researching his family history.
The author spent years on the laborious process of researching his family history.
She made the laborious climb up the mountain to reach the summit by sunrise.
She made the laborious climb up the mountain to reach the summit by sunrise.
