Arduous
Hiking uphill with a backpack is the literal training montage; paperwork marathons are the office version of the same sweat.
Learn This WordMeaning
Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
Memory trick
Think “ARDUOUS” = “HARD-ous”, it’s hard and takes effort.
Examples
Training for a marathon is an arduous process.
They faced an arduous negotiation that lasted for months.
The arduous hike was worth it for the view.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin arduus "steep, difficult," related to arduum "a height."
Usage Notes
Often used to describe tasks that are both difficult and exhausting, not just complicated.
Real-life contexts
Describe effort: "This will be arduous, but we can do it."
Use for timelines: "The migration was arduous and took weeks."
Use for empathy: "I know this process is arduous, thanks for sticking with it."
Common Mistakes
Arduous isn’t the same as “intricate.” Something can be intricate but not arduous; arduous emphasizes effort and strain.
Master This Word
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Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
adjective
Difficulty
intermediateMonthly Searches
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