toilsome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "toilsome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe tasks or activities that are laborious, difficult, or require a lot of effort. Example: "The toilsome journey through the mountains left us exhausted but fulfilled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Within the city walls are the seven hills, their summits flattened through the ages but their slopes still steep and toilsome.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(The trick is an invisible separation, toilsome to maintain, between distilled water above and salt water below).

The New Yorker

For one thing, Murray has hit on a brilliant way to lighten up the often strenuous impression of her previous work; her shapes and colors, juxtaposed without toilsome transitions, crackle with surplus energy.

The New Yorker

Such toilsome efforts are of me required, Because of the woeful lack of parking In Leicestershire.

The New Yorker

The prevailing style is realist, but it is regularly beset by mixed, toilsome aims: Wall has harbored enough motives to impel several artists, and they have tended to get in the way of one another.

The New Yorker

Their perfect means was nimble drawing, rather than ponderous painting — which, in Dali's entertaining but toilsome images, did more to advertise the movement than to advance it.

The New Yorker

He also approvingly quotes Tocqueville, who laments that people fear "every new theory as a danger, every innovation as a toilsome trouble".

The New York Times - Books

KHUAN NGOEN, Thailand — The rubber farmers of southern Thailand are inured to hardship, whether from the toilsome predawn harvests in mosquito-infested plantations or the vagaries of the market for their latex.

The New York Times

After two years of posturing, threats and toilsome labor talks, the N.B.A. has reached its moment of truth, with nothing less than the season at stake.

The New York Times - Sports

With that, Toronto regained a lead they would not give back to the Yankees, who begin a stretch of 22 consecutive games against opponents from the American League East — the type of toilsome loop that can be especially fatiguing on the mind, as every game against a similar opponent looks and feels like the last.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not as toilsome as you'd think.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an activity, use "toilsome" to emphasize the continuous and strenuous physical effort required, such as "the toilsome task of clearing the forest". Consider the intensity of the effort involved when choosing between "toilsome" and other similar words such as "difficult" or "arduous".

Common error

Avoid using "toilsome" when describing tasks that are primarily mentally challenging rather than physically demanding. For a task involving mental effort, consider using "challenging" or "demanding" instead.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "toilsome" primarily functions to describe nouns, indicating that they involve or require significant and sustained physical effort. Ludwig examples showcase this usage in describing journeys, tasks, and labor, highlighting the demanding nature of these activities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "toilsome" accurately describes activities requiring continuous physical effort, as validated by Ludwig. It's primarily used in news and media contexts. When choosing "toilsome", ensure the focus is on the sustained physical labor involved, and differentiate it from similar words like "arduous" or "difficult", which may apply to mental or less strenuous tasks. With a solid expert rating of 4.5, its consistent and correct usage is noted across authoritative sources. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arduous

Shares the meaning of requiring great exertion, but often emphasizes the steepness or difficulty of the challenge.

laborious

Focuses on the amount of physical labor involved, possibly extending over a period of time.

strenuous

Implies the need for great energy and exertion, often testing one's strength or endurance.

grueling

Suggests a physically and mentally exhausting experience, often longer in duration.

taxing

Highlights the demanding nature of the task, implying a drain on resources or energy.

difficult

A more general term indicating a challenge or obstacle to overcome.

demanding

Emphasizes the high requirements and expectations involved in a task.

challenging

Presents a task that tests one's abilities and resourcefulness.

burdensome

Indicates that something is heavy or difficult to bear, either literally or figuratively.

onerous

Suggests a task that is troublesome and oppressive, often due to legal or moral obligations.

FAQs

How can I use "toilsome" in a sentence?

You can use "toilsome" to describe activities that require continuous physical effort. For example, "The "toilsome journey" through the mountains left us exhausted".

What words are similar to "toilsome"?

Similar words include "arduous", "laborious", and "strenuous", all of which describe something that requires significant effort.

Is "toilsome" formal or informal?

"Toilsome" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal word. It appears in news articles and encyclopedias but may not be common in everyday conversation.

Which is more appropriate: "toilsome" or "difficult"?

"Toilsome" specifically implies continuous physical effort, while "difficult" is a more general term for any challenge. Use "toilsome" when the physical aspect is key.