Definition

Adjective: - Extremely physically demanding and tiring: Describes work or a task that requires immense physical effort, often to the point of causing exhaustion.

Usage

The adjective "backbreaking" is used to modify nouns referring to tasks, jobs, or labor. It emphasizes the severe physical strain involved. - It is typically used attributively (before a noun). - It conveys a sense of hardship and extreme difficulty.

Examples

• The farmers endured backbreaking labor in the fields all day.
• Moving the heavy furniture upstairs was backbreaking work.
• She took a backbreaking job at the construction site to support her family.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: While primarily physical, it can be used figuratively to describe any mentally or emotionally exhausting task that feels as demanding as physical labor.
  • The backbreaking schedule of exams left the students drained.

Variants and Related Words

• Backbreaker (noun, informal): Something that is extremely demanding or exhausting.
  • That final hill on the bike route is a real backbreaker.

Synonyms

• Arduous: Involving strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
• Grueling: Extremely tiring and demanding.
• Strenuous: Requiring or using great effort or exertion.
• Laborious: Requiring considerable time and effort.

Antonyms

• Easy: Achieved without great effort; presenting few difficulties.
• Light: Not physically demanding; requiring little effort.
• Effortless: Requiring no physical or mental exertion.

Adjective

1. characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort
   • worked their arduous way up the mining valley
   • a grueling campaign
   • hard labor
   • heavy work
   • heavy going
   • spent many laborious hours on the project
   • set a punishing pace