What does labouring mean?
“Labouring” means working hard, usually at a sustained or physically demanding task. It is the present participle of “labour” and can be used attributively, as in “the labouring class,” to describe people who perform manual or arduous work. The word also has a less literal sense of struggling under pressure or a difficult burden: an organisation may be described as labouring under financial constraints. Its tone is generally neutral, although it can sound more formal than “working.” In American English, the corresponding spelling is “laboring.” The word is useful because it captures both the activity of work and the sense of difficulty or persistence that ordinary employment language does not always convey.
Work hard, especially at a physical or demanding task.
"The crew laboured through the night to finish the repair."
Used as the present participle of “labour,” with both literal and figurative meanings.
Engaged in work, especially manual or arduous work; also describing a person or group struggling under a burden or constraint.
"The report describes the conditions faced by the labouring population."
The attributive use, especially “labouring class,” can be historical or social in tone.
From Roman slaves pulling weights to modern workers striving under pressure, “labouring” has long captured both the reality of work and the weight of its burdens.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does labouring come from?
The form “labouring” is formed from the British spelling of “labour” plus the present-participle ending “-ing.” “Labour” comes through Old French “labore,” ultimately from Latin “laborare,” meaning to work or toil. The related word “laborious” also reflects this Latin root, while “collaboration” and “elaborate” preserve related forms of the same word.
Related word forms
How labouring is actually used
The form is especially common in British and American English, with the spelling “laboring” used in American English. It is neutral in tone but can sound more formal than “working” and is often used in contexts involving sustained effort, hardship, or physical work.
Easily confused with labouring
“Labour” names work, effort, or a workforce, while “labouring” describes someone actively engaged in work or struggling under a burden.
“Labouring” refers to work or effort, whereas “lumbering” usually describes heavy, clumsy movement.