# hard work

CEFR A1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hard-work
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

Using a lot of energy and effort to do a job or task.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She did many hard works to finish the project." but "She did a lot of hard work to finish the project." — 'Hard work' is an uncountable noun, so it cannot be made plural.

## Usage notes

- This is an uncountable noun phrase.
- Teaching tip: Contrast 'hard work' (the uncountable effort) with 'a hard job' (a countable, difficult task or position).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.