Word
hard work
Definition
compound. Using a lot of energy and effort to do a job or task.
compound. A significant expenditure of physical or mental effort.
Examples
“Success requires hard work.”
“Becoming a doctor takes years of hard work and dedication.”
“Her promotion was a testament to her relentless hard work, often staying late to ensure every detail was perfect.”
Examples
simple
“Success requires hard work.”
contextual
“Becoming a doctor takes years of hard work and dedication.”
complex
“Her promotion was a testament to her relentless hard work, often staying late to ensure every detail was perfect.”
Usage
This is an uncountable noun phrase.
Teaching tip
Contrast 'hard work' (the uncountable effort) with 'a hard job' (a countable, difficult task or position).
Pitfall
She did many hard works to finish the project.
She did a lot of hard work to finish the project.
'Hard work' is an uncountable noun, so it cannot be made plural.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
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