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Definitions

dirty work

NOUN
unpleasant or tedious work
Synonyms
WEAK
donkey work grunt work scut work shitwork thankless task

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.

His retirement, though, allows him to do the dirty work and absorb whatever expressions of disappointment from Trump are coming his way.

From Slate • Jan. 12, 2026

Thanks to recent advancements, some recyclers are now employing machines to do this dirty work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

Cybersecurity experts are warning that artificial intelligence agents, widely considered the next frontier in the generative AI revolution, could wind up getting hijacked and doing the dirty work for hackers.

From Barron's • Nov. 11, 2025

David Philips, a senior NCA investigator, said "organised criminals like Emmanuel-Thomas" used persuasion and payment to get people to do their dirty work.

From BBC • May 24, 2025

He couldn’t act on his own, but he was great at twisting the minds of mortals and even gods to do his dirty work.

From "The Sea of Monsters" by Rick Riordan