Synonyms of laborious

laborious

adjective

lə-ˈbȯr-ē-əs 

1

as in diligent

involved in often constant activity

the volunteers have been commendably laborious in their cleanup of the beach

Synonyms & Similar Words

• diligent
• busy
• engaged
• employed
• industrious
• assiduous
• occupied
• active
• working
• preoccupied
• sedulous
• bustling
• immersed
• hopping
• tied-up
• concentrating
• absorbed
• focused
• vigorous
• buzzing
• operational
• lively
• engrossed
• animated
• vibrant
• humming
• going
• energetic
• operating
• functional
• operative
• functioning
• indefatigable
• tireless
• untiring
• knee-deep
• swamped
• flourishing
• hardworking
• thriving
• intent
• happening
• astir
• running
• living
• alive

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• idle
• unemployed
• inactive
• free
• unoccupied
• lifeless
• slow
• sleepy
• latent
• passive
• unbusy
• quiescent
• dormant
• dull
• inert
• asleep
• dead
• inoperative
• nonoperating

2

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort

the laborious task of cleaning up the oil spill

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

3

as in challenging

requiring much time, effort, or careful attention

that report is the product of months of laborious research

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of laborious

Homemade enchiladas might sound like a laborious weekend project, but with a few clever tricks, this version made with black beans and pumpkin can be whipped up on even the most hurried of work nights. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026

How to ferment your own tempeh at home For those who love a kitchen task, tempeh can be made at home—though be forewarned, the preparation can be long and laborious. — Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

Skip the laborious pounding and use cutlets instead of whole breasts. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2026

How to Clean a Fireclay Sink While fireclay sinks can be easily damaged with improper care, keeping one in pristine condition doesn’t require laborious techniques or expensive cleaning products. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 10 Sep. 2026