labored
UK: ˈleɪ.bəd | US: ˈleɪ.bɚd
adj. done with great effort; strained or unnatural
adj. (of breathing) heavy and difficult
The word "labored" derives from the verb "labor," which originates from the Latin labor (toil, exertion). The suffix "-ed" forms the past participle, indicating a state resulting from effort. Over time, "labored" evolved to describe actions or conditions marked by visible strain, whether physical (e.g., breathing) or metaphorical (e.g., writing). The morpheme "labor" retains its core meaning of effort, while "-ed" anchors the word in a completed or ongoing state.
Her labored breathing alarmed the doctor.
He delivered a labored speech, pausing frequently.
The artist’s brushstrokes appeared labored and uneven.
After hours of labored climbing, they reached the summit.
The translation felt labored, losing the original’s fluidity.