laborious
/ləˈbɔriəs/
ADJECTIVE
1. Requiring considerable effort or hard work
Involving a great deal of physical or mental effort, especially when a task is difficult, demanding, exhausting, or requires sustained work.
1.1. Physically demanding work
Used to describe tasks or activities that require substantial physical effort, strength, or endurance, often causing fatigue or exhaustion.
Synonyms
- arduous
- backbreaking
- strenuous
- taxing
- exhausting
- fatiguing
- toilsome
- grueling
- gruelling
- punishing
- tough
Antonyms
Examples
- The hikers faced a laborious climb to reach the summit of the mountain.
- The construction of the intricate model was a highly laborious but rewarding endeavor.
Related Words
- physical exertion
- hardship
- fatigue
- endurance
- heavy lifting
- manual labor
- exhaustion
1.2. Difficult and complicated tasks
Used to describe activities or processes that are difficult to complete because they involve numerous complicated steps, considerable attention, or sustained mental effort.
Synonyms
- demanding
- difficult
- challenging
- onerous
- formidable
- troublesome
- problematic
- complex
- complicated
- intricate
- involved
- knotty
Antonyms
Examples
- The laborious task of cataloging the extensive library collection took weeks to complete.
- Writing a research paper can be a laborious process, requiring thorough investigation.
Related Words
- complexity
- difficulty
- problem-solving
- procedure
- obstacles
- technicality
- undertaking
1.3. Time-consuming and tedious activities
Used to describe work that takes a long time to complete because it involves repetitive, painstaking, or tedious actions requiring patience and careful attention.
Synonyms
- tiresome
- wearisome
- tedious
- toilsome
- painstaking
- wearing
- irksome
- bothersome
- burdensome
- effortful
Antonyms
Examples
- The laborious task of cataloging the extensive library collection took weeks to complete.
- The artist's laborious attention to detail resulted in a stunning masterpiece.