rhizoverbBeta
DictionarystrenuousGreat effort
adjective

strenuous

STREN-yoo-us/ˈstrenjuəs/

Requiring or showing great effort or energy.

Pushing the loaded wheelbarrow uphill is strenuous work for the man.

An older man strains to push a heavily loaded wheelbarrow uphill, making the physical effort visible through his braced posture, tense arms, and exerted expression.
Etymology
strenuousLatinactive, vigorous, keen

Latin strenuus described someone active or vigorous. Strenuous moved from describing the energetic effort itself to describing an activity that demands such effort.

In context

History Before Sleep135:47
It's strenuous, challenging, even dangerous. Men diagnosed with fragile nervous systems were told to do things that required physical stamina and mental acuity.
🕯️🛋️🧠 The Neurasthenia Epidemic — When Being a Modern Woman Was a Disease 📜😴 | History for Sleep

More examples

  • Avoid strenuous exercise while you recover from surgery.
  • Despite strenuous efforts, the crew could not repair the bridge.
  • The proposal met with strenuous opposition from local residents.

Forms

strenuous · more strenuous · most strenuous

strenuously adverb — With great effort, energy, or force.

Similar words

arduous
Emphasizes difficulty and sustained effort, often over a long period.
demanding
Can require considerable skill or attention, not just energy.
vigorous
Emphasizes energy displayed rather than effort a task requires.