toilsome

[ toil-suhm ]

adjective

1. characterized by or involving toil; laborious or fatiguing.

   Synonyms: strenuous, arduous, wearisome

toilsome

/ ˈtɔɪlsəm /

adjective

1. laborious

Derived Forms

• ˈtoilsomeness, noun
• ˈtoilsomely, adverb

Other Words From

• toilsome·ly adverb
• toilsome·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of toilsome¹

First recorded in 1575–85; toil ¹ + -some ¹

Example Sentences

The youngins showed stamina to withstand toilsome travel, punishing pace and reduced recovery time.

From Seattle Times

So let’s examine how much the average federal lawmaker does take to live his or her toilsome life.

From Los Angeles Times

The push for power in football has arrived, but the fight to actually attain it is far more complicated and toilsome.

From Washington Post

After all, skating, as a recreational act, is relentless, toilsome, boring—it requires a commitment to drudgery and community that quickly weeds out those with impure motives.

From The New Yorker

When I was at university, some 20 years ago, learning about the world was a tactile, toilsome sort of experience.

From New York Times