What does laboring mean?
“Laboring” describes sustained work, often work that is difficult, tiring, or poorly paid. As an adjective, it can refer to workers as a social group, as in “the laboring class,” or characterize an activity as demanding, as in “laboring conditions.” As a present participle of “labor,” it describes someone actively working hard, making slow progress, or struggling under a burden: “The engine was laboring up the steep hill,” or “She was laboring under growing pressure.” The word carries a somewhat formal or literary tone in social and historical contexts, where “working” may be more neutral. Its figurative uses are especially productive because physical strain readily becomes a metaphor for emotional strain, constrained circumstances, or an uphill task. Although standard British English normally spells the word “labouring,” the US form “laboring” is equally established and unambiguous.
Relating to workers, especially wage-earning workers; involving arduous or difficult work.
"The reform was intended to improve the conditions of the laboring classes."
The social-historical sense can sound literary or dated; “working class” is often the modern neutral expression.
Present participle of “labor”: to work hard, make slow progress, or struggle under difficulty.
"For several hours the damaged aircraft was laboring to remain airborne."
The figurative sense of struggling under pressure or constraint is common. British English normally uses the spelling “labouring.”
“Laboring under pressure” works both literally and figuratively: a person may be working hard, or struggling beneath a burden.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does laboring come from?
“Laboring” is formed from “labor” or “labour” with the English present-participle suffix “-ing.” Both forms of the verb descend through Old French from Latin “laborare,” meaning “to work” or “toil.” Related English words include “laborious,” while “laboratory” reaches the same Latin root through Medieval Latin. The spelling difference between American “labor” and British “labour” reflects separate historical developments of the same Latin source.
Related word forms
How laboring is actually used
In references to social classes, “laboring” can sound formal, literary, or historical, especially when contrasted with employers or owners. For a particular occupation, “working” is often more neutral. The form is also freely usable as a present participle: “she was laboring to complete the repairs.” British English normally spells it “labouring.”
Easily confused with laboring
“Laboring” is the usual US spelling, whereas “labouring” is the standard British spelling; both have the same meanings.