arduous
Say it: AH-joo-us /ˈɑrdʒuəs/ · adjective
What “arduous” means
Very hard work that takes a lot of effort.
More precisely: Requiring great effort, stamina or endurance.
Example: “The final climb was arduous, but the view made every step worth it.”
When to use it
For demanding tasks or journeys that take sustained effort. Slightly formal, often used with respect for the person doing them.
Memory trick
Latin arduus means steep or difficult: picture pushing a heavy load uphill.
Similar words
grueling, strenuous, demanding
Where it comes from
From Latin arduus, "steep, difficult."
Quick check
Moving a piano up several flights of narrow stairs takes hours of exhausting effort. Which word describes the job?
arduous or tedious?
Show the answer
arduous
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