Toiling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ช
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toiling

[หˆtษ”ษชlษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

hard work

Toiling refers to working hard or laboring persistently. It often implies a sense of physical exertion and effort over a prolonged period of time.

Synonyms

laboring, struggling, working hard.

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Word Description / Examples
toiling

Used when someone is working extremely hard, often in a physically demanding way, and usually for a long period of time. It often conveys a sense of exhaustion and relentless effort.

  • She was toiling in the field from dawn until dusk.
  • The builders are toiling under the hot sun.
laboring

Appears in situations where someone is involved in hard manual or physical work. It can also be used metaphorically to describe struggles, especially when tasks seem arduous and time-consuming.

  • He was laboring to complete the project before the deadline.
  • The miners were laboring deep underground.
working hard

General term used for any situation where someone is putting in considerable effort and dedication to accomplish a task. It is neutral in connotation and suitable for both physical and mental activities.

  • He has been working hard on his novel.
  • They are working hard to renovate the house.
struggling

Best used when someone is having a difficult time achieving something, often facing significant obstacles or setbacks. This word frequently carries a negative connotation of hardship or failure.

  • She is struggling to balance work and study.
  • The company is struggling to stay afloat amid rising costs.

Examples of usage

  • Despite toiling in the fields all day, the farmer was unable to yield a good harvest.
  • She toiled away in the office, trying to meet the deadline.
  • The workers toiled under the scorching sun to complete the construction project.
Context #2 | Noun

hard work

As a noun, toiling can refer to the act of working hard or laboring persistently. It can also describe the result of such effort.

Synonyms

effort, hard work, labor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
toiling

Often used in a context where the work is long, hard, and exhausting, usually physical labor.

  • He spent the entire day toiling in the field
  • The workers were toiling under the hot sun
hard work

Used to describe a task or series of tasks that require significant physical or mental effort over a period of time.

  • Years of hard work finally paid off when he got promoted
  • Hard work and dedication are key to success
labor

Commonly used in more formal or legal contexts to describe physical work, or as a general term for work or exertion.

  • The company is reducing labor costs by automating tasks
  • She went into labor at 2 AM
effort

Suitable for situations where emphasis is on the degree of energy put into a task, whether mental or physical.

  • She put a lot of effort into her final project
  • Despite his best efforts, he couldn't solve the problem

Examples of usage

  • The toiling of the miners deep underground was essential for extracting valuable minerals.
  • The toiling of the students in their studies eventually paid off with excellent grades.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Charles Dickens' 'Hard Times', characters represent the struggles of industrial workers, emphasizing the toil of their daily lives.
  • John Steinbeckโ€™s 'The Grapes of Wrath' explores the toil of migrant workers during the Great Depression, illustrating their relentless fight for survival.
  • The poem 'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost subtly conveys the toil of choices, reflecting on life's difficult decisions.

History

  • Throughout history, labor-intensive jobs, from farming to factory work, have defined social structures and economies, often emphasizing the toll of hard work.
  • The Industrial Revolution marked a major shift in toil, where many left farms for factories, leading to new societal challenges and labor movements.
  • Heavy toil was linked to the rise of the labor rights movement in the 19th century, as workers fought for better conditions and fair wages.

Psychology

  • Chronic toil and stress can lead to burnout, a mental health concern affecting productivity and well-being.
  • Mindfulness practices are often recommended for those who toil in fast-paced environments, helping manage stress and enhance focus.
  • The concept of 'flow' describes when people are fully immersed in their work, reducing the feeling of toil and making tasks enjoyable.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows like 'The Office' humorously depict the monotony and toil of everyday work life, resonating with many viewers.
  • Movies such as 'The Pursuit of Happyness' showcase the struggles and toils of individuals striving for a better life against all odds.
  • Music often reflects themes of toil, with songs capturing the hardships and triumphs of hard work, resonating emotionally with audiences.

Origin of 'toiling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'toiler', meaning 'to disturb, trouble', and relates to working hard.
  • Its roots trace back to Latin 'tollere', meaning 'to lift, raise', indicating the effort involved in hard work.
  • The term has been used in English since the 14th century, showing its long-standing presence in the language.

The word 'toiling' originated from the Middle English word 'toilen', which meant to struggle or work hard. It has roots in Old French and Latin. Throughout history, 'toiling' has been associated with the concept of hard work and persistent labor, often in difficult or challenging conditions. The word has evolved to encompass not just physical labor but also mental or emotional exertion in modern usage.


See also: toil, toilet.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,355, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.