Labor: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in formal or technical settings, particularly in discussions about economic activities or childbirth.

• The labor force in this country is highly skilled.
• She went into labor at midnight.

A broad and general term suitable for most contexts involving physical or mental activity. It can refer to employment, tasks, or artistic creation.

• She has a lot of work to do before the deadline.
• His work as a teacher is very rewarding.

Emphasizes hard, exhausting, and continuous work, often with a sense of hardship or struggle. It can have a somewhat negative connotation.

• Farmers toil in the fields from dawn until dusk.
• After years of toil, he finally achieved success.

Used when highlighting the exertion of physical or mental energy to achieve a goal or complete a task. Often implies a positive intent or determination.

• Her effort to learn a new language is commendable.
• It took a lot of effort to finish the project on time.

Used to describe hard physical work, particularly in a professional or industrial setting.

• The construction workers began their day of labor at the break of dawn.
• She went into labor and delivered a healthy baby.

Used to describe exhausting physical work, often with a negative connotation of hardship or drudgery.

• Farmers toiled in the field from sunrise to sunset.
• He toiled away at his desk, working long hours with little reward.

Used to describe making a great effort to achieve or obtain something, usually implying a strong sense of determination.

• He strives to be the best player on the team.
• The company strives to provide the highest quality service.

Used to describe a serious attempt or effort towards a particular goal, often with an element of intent or ambition.

• Launching a startup is a challenging endeavor.
• The scientist's endeavor to find a cure for the disease took many years.