laboring
/ˈleɪbərɪŋ/
NOUN
1. Engaging in hard or sustained work
The act of performing work or exerting sustained physical or mental effort, especially when the task requires considerable effort, persistence, or endurance.
1.1. Work and physical effort
Refers to the activity of working, toiling, or performing tasks that require sustained effort, particularly physically demanding or exhausting work.
Synonyms
- toil
- work
- drudgery
- exertion
Antonyms
Examples
- The laboring of the farmers in the fields continued throughout the harvest season.
Related Words
- effort
- industry
- hardship
- perseverance
- fatigue
- occupation
- struggle
VERB
2. Working or exerting sustained effort
To engage in physical or mental work, especially with considerable effort, persistence, or difficulty.
2.1. Working diligently and persistently
Used when someone works steadily and persistently to complete a task, achieve a goal, or accomplish something requiring considerable effort.
Synonyms
- working
- toiling
- striving
- endeavoring
- exerting
- slogging
- plugging
- drudging
- plodding
- hustling
Antonyms
- idling
- loafing
- slacking
- shirking
- goldbricking
Examples
- She's been laboring over her art project for days, striving for perfection.
- The author is currently laboring on the final chapters of his upcoming novel.
- The engineers were laboring to find a solution to the complex technical problem.
Related Words
- persevering
- persisting
- labor
- effort
- determination
- diligence
- productivity
- dedication
2.2. Performing strenuous physical work
Used when people perform physically demanding tasks that require considerable strength, endurance, or repetitive effort, often under difficult working conditions.
Synonyms
- toiling
- drudging
- slaving
- slogging
- grubbing
- straining
- sweating
- overworking
Antonyms
Examples
- The construction workers were laboring under the hot sun to complete the building on schedule.
- The farmers were laboring in the fields, preparing for the upcoming harvest season.
Related Words
- manual work
- physical exertion
- exhaustion
- hardship
- fatigue
- heavy lifting
- construction
- agricultural work
2.3. Emphasizing or elaborating on a point
Used when someone repeatedly emphasizes, explains, or develops a particular point or argument, sometimes more extensively than necessary.
Synonyms
- belaboring
- expounding
- elaborating
- dwelling
Antonyms
- summarizing
- condensing
- abbreviating
Examples
- The speaker kept laboring the same point instead of moving on to the next topic.
Related Words
- argument
- discussion
- explanation
- emphasis
- repetition
- elaboration
- debate
2.4. Struggling under difficulties or pressure
Used when someone or something struggles to function, progress, or perform because of obstacles, illness, heavy burdens, or unfavorable conditions.
Synonyms
- struggling
- straining
- toiling
- plodding
- trudging
- floundering
Antonyms
- thriving
- flourishing
- succeeding
- prospering
Examples
- The small business was laboring under heavy financial difficulties.
- The patient was laboring to breathe after the strenuous exercise.
Related Words
- adversity
- obstacles
- burden
- hardship
- resistance
- difficulty
- oppression
2.5. Experiencing childbirth
Used to describe a woman experiencing the physical contractions and intense effort associated with giving birth.
Synonyms
- being in labor
- travailing
Examples
- The expectant mother was laboring in the hospital before the birth of her child.
Related Words
2.6. Moving heavily in turbulent water
Used to describe a ship or vessel pitching, rolling, or moving with difficulty in rough or turbulent seas.
Synonyms
- pitching
- rolling
- tossing
- heaving
Examples
- The ship was laboring heavily in the rough sea during the storm.