a thankless task

USAGE SUMMARY

“a thankless task” is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to a situation when someone does something and gets no appreciation or gratitude in return. For example: "Trying to make everyone happy is a thankless task".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a thankless task.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a thankless task.

The Economist

His is a thankless task.

Independent

This is a thankless task.

The Washington Post

It can be a thankless task.

The New York Times - Sports

Flyering is a thankless task.

The Guardian

Sieving the ocean is a thankless task.

The Guardian

ACCOUNTING rule making is a thankless task.

The New York Times

Homeless assessment is a thankless task.

The Guardian

"To a certain extent it can be a thankless task".

The New York Times

BEING a Middle East peace envoy is a thankless task.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a thankless task" to describe situations where effort and dedication go unnoticed or unappreciated. For example, "Volunteering to clean up the park was "a thankless task", but someone had to do it."

Common error

While "a thankless task" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "an unappreciated effort" or "an unrewarding job" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thankless task" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a verb. It describes a specific type of task characterized by a lack of appreciation or gratitude, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thankless task" is a common and grammatically correct English phrase used to describe an action that receives little to no appreciation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, indicating its relevance in describing various unacknowledged efforts. When writing, ensure that you're not overusing the phrase and consider substituting it with synonyms like "an unrewarding job" or "an unappreciated effort" to add variety. Understanding its function, purpose, and register helps ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thankless job

This emphasizes the lack of gratitude received for the work done.

a thankless undertaking

This focuses on the lack of appreciation for the project.

an unappreciated effort

This alternative focuses on the lack of recognition for the effort exerted.

a fruitless endeavor

This suggests the task yields no positive outcome or reward.

an unrewarding job

This emphasizes the lack of personal or professional gain from the task.

a labor of love

This implies the task is done for personal satisfaction despite lacking external appreciation, often involving sacrifice.

a dead-end pursuit

This highlights the lack of future prospects or positive outcomes from continuing the task.

an unpaid chore

This highlights the lack of monetary compensation for the task.

an exercise in futility

This suggests the task is pointless and unlikely to achieve any meaningful result.

a losing battle

This phrase implies that despite effort and resilience, the task is unlikely to yield positive results, symbolizing a continuous, unrewarding struggle.

FAQs

How can I use "a thankless task" in a sentence?

"A thankless task" is used to describe a job or duty that yields no praise or gratitude. For example, "Trying to mediate the family dispute turned out to be "a thankless task"."

What is a good synonym for "a thankless task"?

Synonyms include "an unappreciated effort", "an unrewarding job", or "a fruitless endeavor", all conveying a lack of recognition or reward.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a thankless task"?

Use "a thankless task" when describing a situation where someone is performing a duty that is unlikely to receive any appreciation or recognition, even if it is necessary or beneficial to others.

Is "a thankless task" an idiom?

Yes, "a thankless task" is an idiom. It's a common expression in English used to describe a job or responsibility that is unlikely to yield any gratitude or recognition, regardless of how well it's executed.