heavy-duty

adjective

heavy-du·​ty ˈhe-vē-ˈdü-tē 

-ˈdyü-

1

: able or designed to withstand unusual strain

heavy-duty trucks

2

: intensive

heavy-duty bargaining

3

: important, prominent

heavy-duty lawyers

Synonyms

• acute
• almighty
• blistering
• deep
• dreadful
• excruciating
• explosive
• exquisite
• fearful
• fearsome
• ferocious
• fierce
• frightful
• furious
• ghastly
• hard
• heavy
• hellacious
• intense
• intensive
• keen
• profound
• terrible
• vehement
• vicious
• violent

Examples of heavy-duty in a Sentence

some heavy-duty lobbying on the part of the president was necessary in order to get the bill passed

a group of heavy-duty politicians and other notables attended the gala

Recent Examples on the Web

Taken altogether, the designers believe their creation offers a promising alternative to far more expensive robots that require heavy-duty equipment and programming—often at exponentially higher cost. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 May 2025

Pour oil to a depth of 2-inches in medium Dutch oven or a large, heavy-duty pot; heat over medium until a thermometer registers 375°F. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 7 May 2025

The most expensive tools may cost up to $200 and feature stainless steel construction and heavy-duty tools such as pliers or ratchets. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025

Finally, a heavy-duty lip mask, like Lawless Forget The Filler Overnight Lip Plumping Mask, $22, which is designed for overnight duration, is absolutely essential for dry lips. —Jessica Ourisman, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for heavy-duty

• beauty
• booty
• cutie
• duty
• fruity
• putti
• snooty
• sooty
• sruti
• tutti

Kids Definition

heavy-duty

adjective

heavy-du·​ty

ˌhev-ē-ˈd(y)üt-ē

: able or designed to take hard use or great strain

heavy-duty vehicles