Library / English Dictionary

ARDUOUS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Difficult to accomplish; demanding considerable mental effort and skill

Example:

the arduous work of preparing a dictionary

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

difficult; hard (not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure)

Derivation:

arduousness (extreme effortfulness)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort

Example:

set a punishing pace

Synonyms:

arduous; backbreaking; grueling; gruelling; hard; heavy; laborious; operose; punishing; toilsome

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

effortful (requiring great physical effort)

Derivation:

arduousness (extreme effortfulness)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Taxing to the utmost; testing powers of endurance

Example:

your willingness after these six arduous days to remain here

Synonyms:

arduous; straining; strenuous

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

effortful (requiring great physical effort)

Derivation:

arduousness (extreme effortfulness)

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