# toiling

/ˈtɔɪɫɪŋ/ (US) · /tˈɔɪlɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/toiling
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to work very hard for a long time, often doing tiring physical work. You use it when the work feels slow and exhausting.

For teachers: to labour continuously with great effort, especially at physically demanding or monotonous work. Often implies prolonged exertion under difficult or oppressive conditions.

## Examples

- They are toiling in the hot sun all day.
- The farmers are toiling in the fields to finish the harvest before the rain starts.
- For years she had been toiling behind the scenes, editing manuscripts late into the night while others took the credit for the finished books.

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive and often pairs with 'away', 'over', or 'in' to show continued effort.

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