drudgery

USAGE SUMMARY

'drudgery' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun used to describe boring, dull, or difficult work. For example, "He was stuck in a job of drudgery, working long hours and feeling unfulfilled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was literally my one chance to express myself or to resign myself to a life of drudgery in a factory.

The Guardian

Only the small matter of prizes sits between us and another 12 months of Cannes-less drudgery.

The Guardian - Film

All the pledges and debates and drudgery all over again, but this time underlined by an inescapable sense of resignation.

The Guardian

Hopcraft was scathing about "that piece of nonsense trotted out mindlessly by the fearful every now and again which pleads: 'After all, it's only a game.' It had not been 'only a game' for 80 years; not since the working classes saw in it an escape route out of drudgery and claimed it as their own".

The Guardian

They were full of drudgery and numbness and – shudder – actual competency.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

En route, she meets a travelling salesman, Charles Drouet, who soon releases her from the drudgery of machine-work in the heartless city by making her his mistress.

The Guardian - Books

I don't seek inspiration, and my work is also not a horrible drudgery.

The Guardian

This allowed him to bound over the time-serving drudgery that bothered most people in public life".

The Guardian

The idealistic movement, springing from William Morris, that hoped to remove ordinary people from urban drudgery and give them gardens, clean air and pleasant, picturesque surroundings didn't stay idealised for long.

The Guardian - Opinion

Among all the drudgery, it comes down to this: a group of people who love what they do.

The Guardian

Defensive drudgery was not their thing, either.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drudgery" to effectively convey the sense of tedious, exhausting, and unfulfilling work in both formal and informal contexts. For example, "The internship involved a lot of administrative drudgery."

Common error

While appropriate, consider stronger alternatives like "tedious work" or "laborious effort" in formal writing to avoid sounding colloquial. "Drudgery" can sometimes imply a lack of importance or value, which might not always be the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "drudgery" is as a noun. It represents a state or condition of tedious, menial, and exhausting work. As indicated by Ludwig, it effectively conveys the nature of burdensome tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "drudgery" accurately describes tedious, menial, and exhausting work. As a noun, its grammatical function is straightforward and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's frequently used in news and media, formal business contexts, and general writing, indicating its versatility. While appropriate in various settings, more formal alternatives might be preferable in specific contexts. The examples provided showcase its usage in diverse scenarios, illustrating its effectiveness in conveying the burden and lack of fulfillment associated with certain types of labor. Ludwig's AI also confirms that "drudgery" is a correct and usable word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tedious work

Focuses on the tiring and monotonous aspect of the work.

menial labor

Highlights the low-skill and often degrading nature of the work.

grueling tasks

Emphasizes the physically and mentally demanding nature of the activities.

monotonous routine

Underscores the repetitive and unvarying nature of the work.

tiresome chores

Highlights the wearisome and often domestic nature of the tasks.

laborious effort

Focuses on the significant amount of work and exertion required.

backbreaking toil

Emphasizes the physically demanding and exhausting aspect of the work.

arduous duties

Highlights the difficult and strenuous obligations involved.

plodding grind

Shows the relentless and often thankless nature of repetitive tasks.

wearisome grind

Focuses on the mental and physical exhaustion caused by the task.

FAQs

How can I use "drudgery" in a sentence?

You can use "drudgery" to describe tedious and exhausting work. For example, "He wanted to escape the "life of drudgery" in the factory" or "The job mainly consisted of administrative drudgery".

What are some synonyms for "drudgery"?

Some synonyms for "drudgery" include "tedium", "moil", "wearisome", "plodding", "grind", and "donkeywork". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "drudgery" formal or informal?

"Drudgery" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's important to consider your audience. In some formal settings, alternatives like "tedious work" or "laborious effort" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "drudgery" and "routine"?

"Routine" refers to a regular or established procedure, while "drudgery" implies that the work is tedious, menial, and exhausting. A routine can involve drudgery, but not all routines are considered drudgery.