What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
backbreaking
Example
The construction workers had to do backbreaking labor all day under the scorching sun. [backbreaking: adjective]
Example
She found the job of carrying heavy boxes up and down the stairs to be backbreaking. [backbreaking: adjective]
arduous
Example
Climbing Mount Everest is an arduous journey that tests the limits of human endurance. [arduous: adjective]
Example
Studying for the bar exam is an arduous process that requires months of preparation. [arduous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Arduous is more commonly used than backbreaking in everyday language. Arduous is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe difficult tasks or challenges, while backbreaking is less common and is typically used in the context of physically demanding jobs or manual labor.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between backbreaking and arduous?
Both backbreaking and arduous are formal words that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, arduous is more commonly used in formal writing and discussions due to its broader usage and connotation of general difficulty.
