Meaning & Definition of word "Labored"
to
Labored
/ˈleɪ.bərd/
verb:
- 1. Past tense of 'labor'; to work hard or exert oneself.
- Example: She labored for hours in the garden, determined to finish her landscaping project.
adjective:
- 1. Characterized by or showing effort or difficulty; not easy or natural.
- Example: His labored breathing signaled that he was struggling to keep up during the marathon.
- 2. Done with great effort or exertion; not effortless.
- Example: The presentation was well-researched but felt labored, lacking spontaneity.
- 3. Involving or employing extensive effort or work.
- Example: The labored attempt at humor fell flat with the audience.
Etymology
From the past participle of labor, from Old French 'laborer', derived from Latin 'laborare' meaning 'to work'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
labored breathing:
Breathing that is difficult or requires effort.
labored effort:
An effort that is made with great difficulty or struggle.
Related Words
labor:
Work, especially hard physical work.
laborious:
Requiring considerable effort and careful attention.
Slang Meanings of labored
Meaning: To work hard or excessively on something, often to the point of exhaustion.
Example Sentence: I've been labored all week to finish this project.
Meaning: To struggle with something in a way that is overly dramatic or exaggerated.
Example Sentence: Stop labored-ing over that simple task!