What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
laboringly
Example
She was laboringly trying to finish her project before the deadline. [laboringly: adverb]
Example
The team was laboringly working on the construction site in the hot sun. [laboringly: gerund or present participle]
painfully
Example
He winced painfully as he tried to move his injured arm. [painfully: adverb]
Example
It was painfully obvious that she was not happy with the situation. [painfully: adjective]
Example
The company had to make some painfully difficult decisions during the recession. [painfully: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Painfully is more commonly used than laboringly in everyday language. Painfully is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while laboringly is less common and more formal.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between laboringly and painfully?
Laboringly is more formal than painfully. It is typically used in academic or professional settings, while painfully can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
