backbreaking work

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But the backbreaking work left behind—often in agriculture or coal mines—was worse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

I really do love it in a sick way because it’s hard, backbreaking work to do — showrunning and executive producing and fighting for every story and all of that.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2024

"Those who cheated me must get the maximum punishment. I do backbreaking work the whole day for 500 rupees. I know I made a huge mistake. But what they did with me is so wrong."

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2024

Aubrey Moya joined the great resignation about a year and a half ago, when she decided she had had enough of the low wages and backbreaking work of waiting tables.

From New York Times • Jul. 6, 2023

I had never seen such enterprise before, such great machines, such methodical organization, and such backbreaking work.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela