Words / C1

AHD-yoo-uh-s/ˈɑːdjuəs/

Arduous means involving a lot of effort over a long time: an arduous climb, arduous negotiations. Hard is everyday; exhausting stresses the effect on you; strenuous is close for physical work. In speech, a slog or really hard going is more natural. Arduous praises stamina, not a five-minute inconvenience — do not call an email arduous.

Meaning

Involving a lot of effort and lasting a long time.

Examples

• “Climbing in the heat was arduous.”
• “Marking two hundred scripts in a weekend is arduous, not “a quick look”.”
• “The path is short on the map and arduous in the heat.”

Good to know

Long and demanding. Everyday: a slog / exhausting. Close: strenuous (often physical). Not a minor hassle.

Near in meaning

strenuous

New