arduous

/ˈɑːdjuːəs/

Group 3Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(adjective)
Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring
GRE

Example in Context

The arduous journey through the mountain pass tested the endurance of even the most experienced climbers in the expedition.

Synonyms

toughgruelingdemanding

Etymology

Something steep and difficult to climb.

  • arduus (Latin) — difficult

Memory Aid

🏔️Sounds like “hard you us

Climbing a mountain is HARD on YOU — it’s ARDUOUS and makes you want to cry for help!

Visual Association

💪A person struggling to climb a steep hill, panting hard while covered in mud.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “arduous” mean on the GRE?

arduous (adjective) means “Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring”. The arduous journey through the mountain pass tested the endurance of even the most experienced climbers in the expedition.

How to remember “arduous” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “arduous” sounds like “hard you us”. Climbing a mountain is HARD on YOU — it’s ARDUOUS and makes you want to cry for help!

What are synonyms for “arduous”?

Common synonyms: tough, grueling, demanding.