backbreaking

adjective

back·​break·​ing ˈbak-ˌbrā-kiŋ How to pronounce backbreaking (audio)
: extremely arduous, exhausting, or demoralizing
backbreaking labor
backbreaking rents
backbreaker noun

Examples of backbreaking in a Sentence

modern machinery has significantly eased the backbreaking work of farming
Recent Examples on the Web Still, there are many women who are interested in staying porters, a job that would benefit significantly from adequate health care, improved living conditions, and additional tools for easier transport so that the work isn’t so backbreaking. Laura Kiniry, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Feb. 2022 Its constant work building a personal brand and then effectively monetizing that brand to enable the work to be a full-time job is even more backbreaking. Keith Bendes, Forbes, 6 May 2022 The trials pay better than dishwashing, require no skills and are far less backbreaking than loading and unloading boxes. Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2021 The Kings were leading 80-60 at the time and led by as many as 26 in the game, dealing the Blazers’ playoff chase a backbreaking blow. oregonlive, 8 Mar. 2020 See all Example Sentences for backbreaking 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backbreaking.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backbreaking was in 1766

Dictionary Entries Near backbreaking

Cite this Entry

“Backbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backbreaking. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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