Word
workhorse
Phoneticswork·horse, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwɝkˌhɔɹs/
UK/wˈɜːkhɔːs/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person or machine that is very reliable and does a lot of hard work. You use this to describe someone who is not flashy but gets the job done.
n. a person or machine that is exceptionally reliable and capable of performing a large amount of work. Often used metaphorically to describe a dependable employee or a robust piece of equipment.
Examples
“He is a real workhorse who never complains about long hours.”
“The company relies on her as a workhorse, knowing she can handle the most difficult tasks with ease.”
“While the newer models are more stylish, the older truck remains a workhorse, enduring the harsh conditions of the construction site without any mechanical failures.”
Examples
simple
“He is a real workhorse who never complains about long hours.”
contextual
“The company relies on her as a workhorse, knowing she can handle the most difficult tasks with ease.”
complex
“While the newer models are more stylish, the older truck remains a workhorse, enduring the harsh conditions of the construction site without any mechanical failures.”
Real-World Examples
“While managed populations of European honeybees (Apis mellifera) are workhorse crop pollinators, they are far from the only species pulling their weight.” “At the time of this page update, the ProBreeze website had a discount code that brought this dehumidifier’s price down by £40, making it a bargain for such a workhorse.” Etymology
From Middle English werkehorse, equivalent to work + horse.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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