What does toiling mean?
Toiling refers to working extremely hard or laboriously, often in challenging or unpleasant conditions. This verb can describe physical or mental effort, and is often used to convey a sense of struggle or perseverance. For example, workers toiling in a factory or a student toiling over a difficult assignment. The word toiling is a useful way to describe hard work, and can be used in a variety of contexts, from formal writing to everyday conversation. It is often used to add emphasis to the idea of hard work or struggle.
verbTo work extremely hard or laboriously, often in difficult or unpleasant conditions.
- working hard or laboriously
- struggling or striving
"The workers have been toiling in the factory for years, producing high-quality goods."
"The farmers have been toiling in the fields all day."
"She's been toiling away at her thesis for months."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of toiling
The word toiling comes from the Old French verb 'toiler', which means 'to work hard' or 'to labor'. This verb is derived from the Latin 'tolus', meaning 'burden' or 'load'. The word toiling has been used in English since the 14th century to describe hard work or labor.
Usage notes
Toiling often carries a connotation of hard work, often in difficult conditions. It can be used in formal or informal contexts.