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.
Easing inflation pressures are doing much of the heavy lifting. — Todd Gordon, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026 The Titans did the heavy lifting for the Bears, too, signing Simmons to an extension in June that has him under contract through 2030. — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026 With so few components to play with, every one of them has to to do heavy lifting. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026 Just because the motor does the heavy lifting doesn’t mean your knees are safe. — Michael Swartzon, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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