backbreaking

adjective

back·​break·​ing ˈbak-ˌbrā-kiŋ How to pronounce backbreaking (audio)
Synonyms of backbreakingnext
: extremely arduous, exhausting, or demoralizing
backbreaking labor
backbreaking rents
backbreaker
ˈbak-ˌbrā-kər How to pronounce backbreaking (audio)
noun

Synonyms of backbreaking

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Examples of backbreaking in a Sentence

modern machinery has significantly eased the backbreaking work of farming
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The dump didn’t make it to a Canuck forward behind the net, Hronek was caught up the ice and Fiala scored the backbreaking fourth goal. — Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 The trials pay better than dishwashing, require no skills and are far less backbreaking than loading and unloading boxes. — Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2021 Its constant work building a personal brand and then effectively monetizing that brand to enable the work to be a full-time job is even more backbreaking. — Keith Bendes, Forbes, 6 May 2022 The Kings were leading 80-60 at the time and led by as many as 26 in the game, dealing the Blazers’ playoff chase a backbreaking blow. — oregonlive, 8 Mar. 2020 See All Example Sentences for backbreaking

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backbreaking was in 1766

Rhymes for backbreaking

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Browse Nearby Words

backbreaker
backbreaking
back bulb
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Cite this Entry

“Backbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backbreaking. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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