arduous

/ˈɑːdjuːəs/adjective

Demanding great effort and stamina; exhausting to carry out.

Example sentences

“The climbers faced an arduous trek up the mountain.”
“Learning to read Chinese characters is an arduous but rewarding process.”

Collocates with journey, task, climb, and process. Stronger than "difficult": it emphasizes the stamina required, not the complexity.

Featured as word of the day on September 4, 2026.

Synonyms for arduous

grueling
strenuous
demanding
exhausting
laborious

Antonyms

easy
effortless
simple

Often confused with arduous

arduous vs ardent: ardent (adjective): Feeling or showing intense enthusiasm or passion.

Find it in: Advanced English words.

Related words

onerousRequiring so much effort that it feels like a heavy load; hard to bear.avariceAn extreme and selfish greed for money or possessions.banalSo ordinary and unoriginal that it feels dull and easy to predict.belligerentHostile and aggressive; eager to argue or fight.abhorTo feel intense hatred or disgust toward something.bravadoA bold, showy display meant to prove courage or defiance.