Understanding Arduous vs Laborious: How to Use These Words Effectively

Both 'arduous' and 'laborious' are adjectives that describe activities that are taxing and require considerable effort. However, the nuances and contexts in which these words are used may differ. This article dives into the meanings of these words, how they are used in sentences, and provides tips on how to use them effectively.

The Meaning of Arduous

Arduous means hard, difficult, or requiring much effort. It often implies that the task is both time-consuming and challenging. In many contexts, it can be used interchangeably with 'laborious,' but 'arduosity' carries a slightly more formal and intense tone.

Examples of Using Arduous

1. ‘It was an arduous journey across the sweltering heat of the desert, yet they survived nonetheless mainly thanks due to the gallon of additional water that each member brought.’

2. ‘Quite arduous is the task of getting one’s doctorate in her chosen field of study, including the cost of said education – with living expenses needing to be paid as well along the way during these many years as well as the actual academic workload itself.’

The Meaning of Laborious

Laborious refers to work that is very hard, tiresome, and requiring much effort and time. While it can be used to denote a task that is difficult, it can also be used more broadly to describe activities that are time-consuming and require diligence, regardless of how exhausting they might be.

Examples of Using Laborious

1. ‘Army men have to follow a laborious regimen.’

2. ‘It was a laborious burden to study for a medical degree’

3. ‘The ascent of the mountain involved a laborious climb.’

When to Use Which Word?