heavy lifting

noun

Synonyms of heavy liftingnext
: a burdensome or laborious duty

Examples of heavy lifting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When the heavy lifting of data synthesis and standard analysis is supported by intelligent systems, workers are free to elevate their thinking. Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 Recently, Boston Dynamics showed how Atlas learned heavy lifting through reinforcement learning and simulation, carrying shifting loads like mini-fridges just weeks after its public debut. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 2026 Alex McCoy did a lot of the heavy lifting for high Single-A Fort Wayne on Sunday. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2026 When Cold Water Works Better for Cleaning While hot water works best on tough grease, there are a couple of exceptions where cold water does the heavy lifting. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for heavy lifting

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heavy lifting was in 1980

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heavy lifting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heavy%20lifting. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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