B2noun2K

Labor

UK //ˈleɪbər//US //ˈleɪbɚ//

Definition

work, especially physical work

In simple words: Physical work or effort, especially to produce something.

Examples

  • The labor market has significantly changed in recent years.
  • She went into labor early in the morning.
  • This project requires a lot of manual labor to complete.
  • Many people were involved in the labor movement to improve workers' rights.
  • After hours of labor, they finally finished the construction on time.
  • The concept of labor is central to economic theory.
  • He believes that physical labor can be rewarding.
  • Labor can be both skilled and unskilled, depending on the task.
  • She felt relieved once her labor was over and her baby was born.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, it can refer to work done for wages or in economic discussions. In informal settings, it may refer simply to hard work in everyday tasks. Not typically used for casual or trivial efforts.

Grammar pattern

labor + object

Memory hint

Think of 'labor' like 'laboratory' – a place where scientists work hard.

Collocations

  • manual labor
  • labor force
  • labor market
  • hard labor
  • labor union

Synonyms

  • work
  • effort
  • toil
  • exertion
  • employment

Antonyms

  • rest
  • leisure
  • idleness

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'labour' in British English and 'labor' in American English.
  • Using 'labor' as a countable noun incorrectly.
  • Misunderstanding 'labor' as only referring to physical work, ignoring intellectual labor.