Synonyms of arduous

arduous

adjective

ˈär-jə-wəs 

1

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort

climbing Mount Everest is an arduous, exhausting challenge

Synonyms & Similar Words

• difficult
• challenging
• tough
• rigorous
• hard
• demanding
• formidable
• complicated
• strenuous
• effortful
• heavy
• laborious
• grueling
• rough
• rugged
• exhausting
• toilsome
• sweaty
• painful
• backbreaking
• severe
• herculean
• uphill
• gruelling
• tall
• testing
• exacting
• intricate
• murderous
• complex
• stiff
• problematical
• killer
• serious
• problematic
• hellacious
• stressful
• annoying
• elusive
• onerous
• tricky
• moiling
• brutal
• pick-and-shovel
• grim
• involved
• burdensome
• Augean
• stubborn
• oppressive
• troublesome
• thorny
• abstruse
• abstract
• irksome
• labored
• bruising
• recondite
• insoluble
• hairy
• opaque
• knotty
• tight
• vexatious
• trying
• strict
• ticklish
• stringent
• bothersome
• spiny
• distressing
• taxing
• cruel
• grievous
• inhuman

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• easy
• simple
• effortless
• light
• cheap
• soft
• undemanding
• facile
• mindless
• uncomplicated
• manageable
• clear
• elementary
• doable
• achievable
• smooth
• gentle
• painless
• soothing
• comforting
• relaxed
• accessible
• friendly
• user-friendly
• idiotproof

2

as in challenging

requiring much time, effort, or careful attention

the arduous task of doing the research for my term paper

Synonyms & Similar Words

• challenging
• difficult
• demanding
• laborious
• onerous
• tough
• burdensome
• grueling
• hard
• gruelling
• toilsome
• exacting
• strenuous
• formidable
• taxing
• killing
• testing
• persnickety
• rigorous
• herculean
• oppressive
• rough
• rugged
• stringent
• stiff
• trying
• severe
• strict
• rigid
• stern

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• light
• undemanding
• easy
• simple
• smooth
• unchallenging
• effortless
• facile
• nondemanding

Synonym Chooser

How is the word arduous different from other adjectives like it?

The words difficult and hard are common synonyms of arduous. While all three words mean "demanding great exertion or effort," arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion.

the arduous task of rebuilding

When could difficult be used to replace arduous?

While in some cases nearly identical to arduous, difficult implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill or courage.

the difficult ascent of the mountain

When is it sensible to use hard instead of arduous?

The synonyms hard and arduous are sometimes interchangeable, but hard implies the opposite of all that is easy.

farming is hard work

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of arduous

Moreover, proliferation is an arduous and dangerous process. —Mark S. Bell, Foreign Affairs, 31 Mar. 2025

These films often feature long, arduous journeys across the treacherous terrain, peppered with shootouts and robberies. —Sezin Devi Keohler, EW.com, 29 Mar. 2025

Thus, panelists had already completed the arduous task of reviewing proposals. —Monica Driscoll, New York Daily News, 28 Mar. 2025

In a statement provided by her attorney to THR, Smith denied the claims of abuse, arduous working hours and dearth of appropriate compensation and said that Rockelle had appeared in several accusers’ videos without payment or common labor protections. —Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025

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