arduous

adjective  C1
Plain meaning

very difficult and needing a lot of effort

Exam-register meaning

In academic or exam writing, this is used to discuss very difficult and needing a lot of effort in a more precise way.

In context
naturalThe report described arduous task in a clear and practical way.
examThe findings show that arduous task can influence educational, social, or economic outcomes.
Common collocations
arduous taskarduous journeyarduous process
Watch out
Do not overuse it as a direct replacement for “good/bad”. Use it with natural nouns such as “arduous task”.
Quick check — can you use it?

The findings show that  ______  task can influence educational, social, or economic outcomes.

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