Sisyphean task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Sisyphean task" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a task that is endless and futile, where effort does not lead to success. Example: "Trying to organize the office without any cooperation felt like a Sisyphean task." Alternative expressions include "endless struggle," "futile endeavor," and "never-ending chore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a Sisyphean task.

The New York Times

How about "embark on the Sisyphean task"?

The New York Times

Hours later he repeats his Sisyphean task.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Making clothing factories safer is a Sisyphean task.

The New York Times

Getting schoolchildren to stop using profanity seems a Sisyphean task.

The New York Times

SUNDAY'S PUZZLE — Jeff Chen has set himself a Sisyphean task today in more ways than one.

The New York Times

It's not a Sisyphean task to be scrupulous about using personal e-mail for nongovernment missives.

The New York Times

A Sisyphean task perhaps but worth a go all the same.

The Economist

But even that Sisyphean task looks easy next to the fight against synthetic drugs.

The Economist

Making it past Le Baron's door is a Sisyphean task for those without connections.

The New York Times

Adding T-Mobile's technology to the mix would be an expensive and Sisyphean task.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While usually capitalized because it is derived from a proper name (Sisyphus), lowercase usage is occasionally seen in less formal contexts, though 'Sisyphean' remains the standard.

Common error

Do not use "Sisyphean" simply to mean a very hard job. A "Herculean task" is one that requires great strength or effort but can be completed. A "Sisyphean task" is one where the effort is ultimately undone, making it essentially pointless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Sisyphean task" functions as a noun phrase where "Sisyphean" is a proper adjective modifying the noun "task". According to Ludwig, it is used to describe cyclical futility. Grammatically, it often follows verbs like 'is', 'seems', or 'becomes' to categorize a specific labor or project.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Scientific

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

A "Sisyphean task" is a robust and evocative idiom used to describe work that is repetitive, exhausting, and ultimately fruitless. Ludwig AI confirms its high prevalence in elite journalism and formal commentary. Unlike a "Herculean task", which emphasizes the sheer difficulty of a successful feat, the "Sisyphean task" highlights the tragic or absurd nature of effort that never reaches a conclusion. It is a perfect choice for writers looking to criticize inefficient systems or highlight the endless nature of certain responsibilities, from digital data cleaning to complex international relations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endless struggle

Focuses more on the continuous effort required without emphasizing the repetitive cycle

futile endeavor

Highlights the pointlessness of the work rather than the specific repetitive nature

uphill battle

Suggests great difficulty and opposition but implies that progress might eventually be possible

never-ending chore

A more domestic or informal way to describe repetitive, tedious work

treadmill of frustration

Metaphorical emphasis on staying in the same place despite high exertion

pointless labor

More direct and less idiomatic, focusing on the lack of result

Herculean task

Often confused with Sisyphean, but Herculean means extremely difficult yet achievable

Augean stables

Refers to a massive, messy task that seems impossible to clean up or organize

lost cause

Indicates that the goal itself is unattainable regardless of the effort type

thankless job

Focuses on the lack of appreciation rather than the mechanical failure of the task

FAQs

What is the meaning of a "Sisyphean task"?

It refers to a task that is both endless and ineffective. It comes from the Greek myth of King Sisyphus, who was condemned to roll a boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down every time it reached the top. You might also call it a "futile effort".

Is "Sisyphean task" capitalized?

Yes, it is generally capitalized because it is an eponym derived from the Greek name Sisyphus. Writing it as a "sisyphean task" is less common and often considered less formal.

What can I say instead of a "Sisyphean task"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "endless struggle", "pointless endeavor", or "never-ending labor".

What's the difference between a "Sisyphean task" and an "uphill battle"?

An "uphill battle" implies a very difficult struggle that can potentially be won, whereas a "Sisyphean task" implies the struggle will never end and no progress will ever be permanent.