Is drudgery a formal word?

It is not very formal, but it is common in writing. People use it to describe dull, tiring work.

What is the difference between drudgery and hard work?

Hard work can sound positive or respectful. Drudgery means hard work that feels boring and unpleasant.

Can I use drudgery in IELTS writing?

Yes, if you want to describe repetitive, tiring work. It sounds more expressive than simple words like work.

← Dictionary

drudgery

/ˈdrʌdʒ.ər.i/

IELTSAcademic

noun

Hard, boring work that feels tiring and never-ending. It often means work you do again and again without pleasure.

Cleaning the store every night felt like drudgery.
He escaped the drudgery of office paperwork.
Housework can become drudgery.

Adinary Nuance

Drudgery is stronger and more negative than ordinary words like work or task. It suggests boring, tiring effort, often repeated every day. It is close to toil, but toil can sound more serious or noble, while drudgery usually feels pointless and dull.

In other languages

Vietnamese: công việc khổ sai
Spanish: trabajo penoso
Chinese: 苦差事
Japanese: 苦役
Korean: 고된 일

Etymology

Drudgery comes from the older word drudge, meaning a person who does hard, boring work. It entered English in the 1500s.

Common phrases

daily drudgerythe drudgery of lifeendless drudgeryescape drudgery

Synonyms

toil grind labor slog

Related words

chores routine fatigue monotony

Frequently asked questions

Is drudgery a formal word?: It is not very formal, but it is common in writing. People use it to describe dull, tiring work.
What is the difference between drudgery and hard work?: Hard work can sound positive or respectful. Drudgery means hard work that feels boring and unpleasant.
Can I use drudgery in IELTS writing?: Yes, if you want to describe repetitive, tiring work. It sounds more expressive than simple words like work.