Labored: meaning, definitions and examples

effortful activity

The term 'labored' refers to something that is done with great effort or difficulty. It often describes a process or activity that is strenuous or requires significant exertion. For example, a person may have a labored breathing pattern when they are experiencing distress or physical hardship. In other contexts, it can be used to refer to work that seems forced or unnatural, such as writing or speech that feels awkward. Overall, the term captures a sense of struggle associated with an action.

arduous, difficult, forced, strenuous

Examples of usage

• He took labored steps up the hill.

• Her labored speech indicated her exhaustion.

• The artist's labored brush strokes conveyed his frustration.