Grunt work Meaning in English
expression
ˈɡɹənt/ /ˈwɝk
GRUHNT-wurk
ɡɹˈʌnt/ /wˈɜːk
grunt-WURK
Definition
Unskilled, boring, or repetitive work that is necessary but not interesting or respected. Often refers to basic tasks that support more important work.
Usage & Nuances
Informal; often used to contrast with more prestigious or creative jobs. Common collocations: 'do the grunt work,' 'stuck with the grunt work.' Usually negative in tone, but sometimes said humorously about necessary tasks.
Spanish: trabajo duro - trabajo pesado - trabajo rutinarioPortuguese (BR): trabalho braçal - trabalho pesado - trabalho repetitivoPortuguese (PT): trabalho braçal - trabalho pesado - trabalho rotineiroChinese (Simplified): 苦差事 - 体力劳动Chinese (Traditional): 苦差事 - 體力工作Hindi: शारीरिक मेहनत का काम - बोरिंग कामArabic: عمل شاق - عمل روتينيBengali: একঘেয়ে কাজ - খাটুনি কাজRussian: черновая работа - рутинная работаJapanese: 雑用 - 単純作業Vietnamese: việc vặt - công việc chân tayKorean: 허드렛일 - 잡일Turkish: angarya - sıkıcı işUrdu: محنت طلب کام - بورنگ کامIndonesian: pekerjaan kasar - pekerjaan berat
Example Sentences
I have to do all the grunt work at my new job.
basic
Washing dishes is considered grunt work by many people.
basic
Interns often get stuck with the grunt work.
basic
She doesn’t mind the grunt work if it helps the team succeed.
natural
Sometimes, you have to do the grunt work before you get promoted.
natural
No one enjoys the grunt work, but it’s got to get done.
natural