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menial

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "menial": "Menial" describes work that is considered lowly, unskilled, and often degrading. The mental image i

What does "menial" mean?

"Menial" describes work that is considered lowly, unskilled, and often degrading. The mental image is of someone performing repetitive, tiresome tasks that require little intelligence or training, such as cleaning, scrubbing, or fetching items for others. The term often carries a negative connotation of being beneath one's dignity or status. It is frequently used to discuss labor that is undervalued or physically taxing, such as "menial tasks" or "menial chores," emphasizing that the work is routine and lacks intellectual stimulation.

"menial" in conversation

Discussing a boring internship

I thought this internship would be about marketing strategy.

I thought this internship would be about marketing strategy.

Nope, it’s mostly just menial filing and data entry.

Nope, it’s mostly just menial filing and data entry.

Used to express frustration over repetitive, low-level work.

Reflecting on early jobs

I had to do a lot of menial labor to pay for college.

I had to do a lot of menial labor to pay for college.

I respect that; it builds character even if it feels thankless.

I respect that; it builds character even if it feels thankless.

Highlights the grind of hard, unskilled labor.

"menial" in a sentence

  1. She refused to perform menial chores around the house.

    She refused to perform menial chores around the house.

  2. The software automates all the menial tasks that used to take us hours.

    The software automates all the menial tasks that used to take us hours.

  3. He felt his intellectual potential was being stifled by such menial employment.

    He felt his intellectual potential was being stifled by such menial employment.

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