What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
laborious
Example
The construction of the building was a laborious process that took several years. [laborious: adjective]
Example
She labored over the report for hours, making sure every detail was correct. [labored: verb]
tedious
Example
The lecture was so tedious that I fell asleep halfway through. [tedious: adjective]
Example
I find cleaning the house to be a tedious chore. [tedious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tedious is more commonly used than laborious in everyday language. Tedious is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of situations, while laborious is less common and tends to be used in more specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between laborious and tedious?
Both laborious and tedious are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing. However, laborious may be seen as more technical or specialized than tedious, which has a more general usage.
