Menial: meaning, definitions and examples

Describes tasks that do not require much skill and are often performed by people in lower income brackets. Typically used when emphasizing the low status or demeaning nature of such work.

• She performed menial jobs like cleaning and dishwashing to make ends meet

Denotes jobs or tasks that do not require specialized skills or training. Often used in employment contexts to describe certain types of labor.

• Many unskilled jobs were available in the factory, requiring only basic training

Often describes the rank or position of a person rather than the work itself. It implies a humble or less respected status.

• He started as a lowly intern but worked his way up to become the CEO

Refers to something that lacks significance or value. It can describe tasks, objects, or even people in terms of importance.

• The meeting was filled with unimportant details that could have been an email

Tasks that are considered low-status, often involving manual labor or basic duties. These tasks usually require little to no special skills or training.

• She found herself doing menial jobs around the office, like making coffee and filing papers.
• Menial work often doesn’t get the respect it deserves.

Positions that require little to no specialized training or skills. These roles often involve simple, repetitive tasks.

• Many unskilled jobs are available in factories and warehouses.
• Finding an unskilled job can be a good first step for someone without a lot of work experience.

Positions that are at the bottom of the organizational hierarchy. These jobs typically involve basic duties and do not require advanced skills or responsibilities.

• She started her career in a low-level job, answering phones and scheduling appointments.
• Low-level jobs can provide valuable experience for young workers entering the job market.

Tasks that are tough, repetitive, and often physically demanding. These tasks are usually seen as unglamorous and are associated with hard labor.

• He was assigned to do the grunt work in the construction project, such as hauling bricks and mixing cement.
• Interns often end up doing the grunt work, like photocopying documents and organizing files.