Backbreaking
(adjective)
- Demanding or exhausting physically or mentally, especially involving hard manual labor.
- Exhausting, tiring, and causing strain or injury to the back.
Origin:
From the phrase 'break one's back' meaning 'to do exhausting, strenuous, or hard work'.
Examples:
- The backbreaking work of harvesting crops in the hot sun was a daily challenge for the farmers.
- The backbreaking journey over the mountains was a test of endurance for the hikers.
- The backbreaking routine of carrying heavy loads took a toll on the workers' health.
- The backbreaking schedule of rehearsals and performances was a challenge for the dancers.
- The backbreaking task of cleaning up the aftermath of the storm was a daunting challenge for the volunteers.