B2noun2K

Labour

UK /["/ˈleɪbə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈleɪbər/"]/

Definition

work, especially physical work

In simple words: Physical work, especially hard work.

Examples

  • The workers organized a strike to demand better conditions and fair labour practices.
  • She is proud of her labour as an artist, creating beautiful sculptures.
  • Labour laws protect workers from unfair treatment in the workplace.
  • During the busy season, the labour required to keep the factory running increased significantly.
  • In many countries, labour unions play a critical role in advancing workers' rights.

Usage notes

Use 'labour' in contexts related to work, especially when discussing physical tasks or efforts. Avoid in casual settings without a clear reference to work.

Grammar pattern

labour + object

Memory hint

Think of 'labour' as a 'laboratory' where a lot of physical effort is put in.

Collocations

  • manual
  • physical
  • back-breaking
  • withdraw
  • productivity
  • camp
  • manual
  • physical
  • back-breaking
  • withdraw
  • productivity
  • camp
  • free
  • organized
  • wage
  • force
  • market
  • pool
  • difficult
  • easy
  • long
  • go into
  • induce
  • room
  • ward
  • pains
  • in labour

Synonyms

  • work
  • effort
  • toil
  • exertion
  • struggle

Antonyms

  • leisure
  • idleness
  • inactivity

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'labor' (American English spelling).
  • Using 'labour' as a verb incorrectly.
  • Overusing 'labour' in casual conversations; better to use 'work' instead.