Treadmill

/ˈtrɛdˌmɪl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A machine used for walking or running while staying in the same place, often used for exercise.

I prefer to use the treadmill at the gym to get my daily cardio workout.

A situation or activity that is monotonous and unproductive, often involving repeated tasks.

He felt trapped in the daily treadmill of work with no end in sight.

A device consisting of a belt or surface that moves in a loop, commonly used for various tasks such as powering a mill.

The ancient treadmill was used to turn grain into flour.

Middle English treadmille, from tread + mill

treadmill of life

A monotonous routine of life that seems to go nowhere.

on the treadmill

Referring to being stuck in a repetitive or unproductive routine.

exercise

Physical activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness.

cardio

Exercises that raise your heart rate.

Hamster wheel

I feel like I'm running on a hamster wheel, just like a treadmill!

Rat race

Working long hours without getting ahead feels like a treadmill or a rat race.