labored

1 of 2

adjective

la·​bored ˈlā-bərd 

: produced or performed with labor

labored breathing

also : lacking ease of expression

a labored speech

labored

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of labor entry 2

Examples of labored in a Sentence

Adjective

The patient's symptoms included a rapid pulse and labored breathing.

The movie's dialogue seems very labored.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Christopher Nolan has been rightly praised, as a director, for his unparalleled commitment to practical effects and rightly criticized, as a screenwriter, for an attendantly labored approach to story. — Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026

As political origin stories go, this one feels quite labored. — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026

Some of the signs of overheating include heavy panting or drooling, a rapid pulse, bright red gums or tongue, labored breathing, difficulty standing, vomiting or diarrhea and a fever. — Cody Godwin, USA Today, 16 July 2026

No, what’s stuck in my head is Morocco’s Round of 32 victory over the Netherlands on the very last, labored breath of the match. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1566, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for labored

• laboured

Kids Definition

labored

adjective

la·​bored

ˈlā-bərd

: produced or done with labor

labored breathing

Medical Definition

labored

adjective

la·​bored ˈlā-bərd 

: produced or performed with difficulty or strain

labored breathing