backbreaking

or back-break·ing

[ bak-brey-king ]

adjective

1. demanding great effort, endurance, etc.; exhausting:

   a backbreaking job.

backbreaking

/ ˈbækˌbreɪkɪŋ /

adjective

1. demanding great effort; exhausting

Other Words From

• backbreaker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of backbreaking¹

First recorded in 1780–90; back ¹ + break + -ing ²

Example Sentences

“It was gruelling, backbreaking work. It was filthy.”

From BBC

I really do love it in a sick way because it’s hard, backbreaking work to do — showrunning and executive producing and fighting for every story and all of that.

From Los Angeles Times

But perhaps just as vexing are the challenges heat poses to the health of firefighters themselves, who already perform backbreaking work saddled with heavy equipment in unforgiving terrain.

From Los Angeles Times

We did a lot of backbreaking work, and he rode around on the tractor.

From Seattle Times

The hardships the New Basin laborers faced — aside from backbreaking work, there was a deadly cholera outbreak — are points of pride among the city’s Irish.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• arduous
• exhausting
• grueling
• laborious