laboured
Britishadjective
-
(of breathing) performed with difficulty
-
showing effort; contrived; lacking grace or fluency
Other Word Forms
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
England laboured for much of the game before being rescued by the brilliance of two-goal Harry Kane.
From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026
There were flashes of brilliance, with a number of serves clocking in excess of 120mph, but Williams' movement looked laboured and she often conceded points without even attempting to reach the ball.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026
The 24-year-old appeared laboured on court with a dejected expression as he lost the next three games, including 11 straight points, before calling for the trainer.
From BBC ● May 28, 2026
Firefighters were trying to extinguish the blazes in the still-smoldering rubble, while rescue workers laboured to pull victims from the debris and bulldozers tried to clear a path.
From Barron's ● Apr. 8, 2026
Théoden opened his eyes, and they were clear, and he spoke in a quiet voice though laboured.
From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
