Backbreaking

Backbreaking describes an activity, task, or work that demands a significant amount of physical exertion, often to the point of exhaustion or pain. It implies that the work is arduous, difficult, and potentially damaging to one's health, particularly the back. The term emphasizes the strenuous nature of the labor and the physical strain it places on an individual. This can involve heavy lifting, repetitive motions, long hours of work, and working in uncomfortable positions, all contributing to the feeling of physical collapse, leaving little energy. It goes beyond just being tiring; it suggests work that pushes the body to its limits.

Backbreaking meaning with examples

• Clearing the overgrown, rocky yard was Backbreaking work, leaving me sore for days. I had to haul heavy stones, chop through thick weeds, and shovel piles of dirt under the hot sun. The sheer volume of manual labor and the constant bending over put a massive strain on my muscles.
• The migrant workers endured Backbreaking labor in the fields, picking fruits and vegetables from dawn until dusk. They received minimal wages for their long hours of toil, and the physical demands of the job often caused injuries and fatigue. The sun was intense, with little shade.
• Construction workers on the skyscraper faced Backbreaking tasks, lifting heavy materials and working at dangerous heights. The constant risk and unrelenting physical demands take a massive physical toll on them. There's a lot of heavy lifting and moving things around.
• My grandfather's job in the coal mines involved Backbreaking labor that took years off his life. He worked in cramped, dark conditions, digging and hauling tons of coal day after day, with a never ending work schedule that was taxing.
• Moving all our furniture across three stories proved to be Backbreaking, despite enlisting friends for help. Carrying sofas, appliances, and boxes up and down the stairs, left our bodies aching and exhausted. The constant lifting and maneuvering left us with tired muscles.