Synonyms of backbreaking

backbreaking

adjective

ˈbak-ˌbrā-kiŋ 

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort

modern machinery has significantly eased the backbreaking work of farming

Synonyms & Similar Words

• difficult
• challenging
• tough
• rigorous
• demanding
• hard
• formidable
• heavy
• complicated
• arduous
• strenuous
• grueling
• effortful
• rough
• rugged
• sweaty
• laborious
• exhausting
• toilsome
• herculean
• severe
• painful
• exacting
• uphill
• gruelling
• tall
• murderous
• testing
• intricate
• killer
• stiff
• hellacious
• complex
• serious
• pick-and-shovel
• problematical
• moiling
• brutal
• problematic
• annoying
• onerous
• oppressive
• Augean
• elusive
• stressful
• burdensome
• bruising
• grim
• tricky
• abstruse
• stubborn
• labored
• thorny
• involved
• troublesome
• abstract
• hairy
• knotty
• insoluble
• irksome
• tight
• recondite
• strict
• ticklish
• trying
• vexatious
• taxing
• bothersome
• stringent
• opaque
• spiny
• distressing
• cruel
• grievous
• inhuman

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• easy
• simple
• cheap
• light
• effortless
• mindless
• undemanding
• soft
• facile
• elementary
• manageable
• doable
• uncomplicated
• clear
• achievable
• smooth
• gentle
• painless
• comforting
• soothing
• relaxed
• accessible
• friendly
• user-friendly
• idiotproof

Examples of backbreaking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Plus, large shovels hold a backbreaking amount of snow. —James Jackson, Popular Mechanics, 18 Sep. 2019

Drawing on unprecedented research, Chang shows how these men performed some of the most dangerous, most backbreaking work to build out the railroad from California, yet received virtually no credit for their contributions. —Chris Fuchs, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2019

Spraying fields with pesticides and fertilizers, the drones -- which can cover up to 60 acres a day -- could boost crop yields, save time and make backbreaking field work much easier, according to Bug Away. —Sarah Lazarus and Dan Tham, CNN, 3 July 2019

Facing the possibility of major defections, a roster implosion or a backbreaking salary cap position, Brand tap-danced his way through the minefield in impressive fashion. —Ben Golliver, The Denver Post, 3 July 2019