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

Before many shipping companies and insurers will commit to sending ships through the Strait, those mines would need to be cleared—a laborious task that could take weeks. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 19 June 2026

That’s because, as the following pages demonstrate, true luxury isn’t about simply having the most expensive materials or the most laborious construction, but rather about having a distinct point of view. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 17 June 2026

Pidgeon’s naturally dark hair was then expertly colored by Kari Hill in a laborious 20-hour process that took over two days. — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 10 June 2026

While a butterfly cut may be a bit more tricky and laborious to style during the summer months, face-framing layers give a similar look with way less maintenance. — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 10 June 2026