Synonyms for

Labor

Verb / ˈleɪbɜ: / Another word for labor — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

work, especially hard physical work

Synonyms & similar words

labordepartment dol labor britishlabourparty moil travail task labour tug drive grind lyingin confinement parturiency workingclass departmentoflabor labormovement dig fag undertaking push project childbed labourparty tradeunionmovement work toil effort exertion industry employment task job occupation drudgery struggle grind sweat endeavor undertaking service laboriousness strenuousness hardship travail

Synonyms by register

Formal

work toil exertion endeavor

Informal

grind hustle sweat drudgery

Literary

travail effort struggle

Antonyms

ease idleness leisure rest relaxation play inactivity

Common collocations

  • hard labor
  • manual labor
  • physical labor
  • labor pains
  • labor dispute
  • labor force
  • labor union
  • labor intensive

Word family

noun labor
verb labor
adjective laborious
adverb laboriously

Usage note

As a noun, 'labor' often refers to physical or mental effort. As a verb, it means to work hard or to struggle. 'Labor' can also refer to childbirth.

Example sentences

  1. The workers are doing hard labor to build the new bridge.
  2. She needed to labor for hours before giving birth to the baby.
  3. My grandpa has been doing labor on the farm for many years.
  4. I will help you with the labor of moving the furniture.
  5. The labor of love is the hardest work but the most rewarding.

Quotes

  • All wealth is the product of labor.
  • Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.
  • Without labor, nothing prospers.

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