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
• tall
• testing
• exacting
• intricate
• murderous
• complex
• stiff
• killer
• serious
• problematic
• hellacious
• stressful
• annoying
• elusive
• onerous
• moiling
• tricky
• brutal
• pick-and-shovel
• involved
• grim
• burdensome
• Augean
• stubborn
• oppressive
• troublesome
• thorny
• abstruse
• abstract
• irksome
• labored
• recondite
• bruising
• insoluble
• hairy
• opaque
• knotty
• trying
• vexatious
• tight
• ticklish
• strict
• 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
• tough
• onerous
• burdensome
• grueling
• hard
• toilsome
• exacting
• strenuous
• taxing
• formidable
• 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

Hopes are low mirroring how very needed this complete rebuild was, and the arduous climb facing the new regime. — Greg Cote july 27, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026

Christopher Nolan's *The Odyssey* film adaptation offers profound leadership lessons from King Odysseus's arduous journey home. — Dr. Samantha Madhosingh, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

After decades of arduous preparation, the largest, most ambitious survey of the night sky ever created has at last opened its eye. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 24 July 2026

Throughout Odysseus’s arduous trek home, director Christopher Nolan made sure to bring the figures of Greek mythology to life during the nearly three hour movie. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!