Herculean Meaning in English

word

US

hɝkˈjuɫiən

her-KYOO-lee-uhn

UK

hˈɜːkjʊlˌiən

huh-KYUH-lee-uhn

Definition

Extremely difficult, demanding, or requiring great strength, like the legendary tasks performed by Hercules.

Usage & Nuances

Formal and literary; usually describes tasks, efforts, or challenges of great difficulty or strength. Common phrase: 'a herculean task' or 'herculean effort'. Not used for small or ordinary things.

• Spanish: hercúleo - gigantesco (esfuerzo)
• Portuguese (BR): hercúleo - gigantesco (esforço)
• Portuguese (PT): hercúleo - gigantesco (esforço)
• Chinese (Simplified): 艱鉅的 - 赫丘勒式的
• Chinese (Traditional): 艱鉅的 - 海克力士式的
• Hindi: अत्यंत कठिन - विशाल (संकल्प या काम)
• Arabic: هركولي - جبار (مهمة أو جهد)
• Bengali: হণ্যদ্যান্ত - অতিপ্রচেষ্টা-সাপেক্ষ - শক্তিশালী (কর্ম)
• Russian: титанический - героический
• Japanese: 至難の - ヘラクレスのような
• Vietnamese: phi thường - khổng lồ - to lớn
• Korean: 거대한 - 엄청난 - 헤라클레스적인
• Turkish: herkülvari - çok zor - devasa
• Urdu: بہت مشکل - عظیم الشان - ہرکولین
• Indonesian: sangat berat - sangat sulit - luar biasa

Example Sentences

Completing the project on time was a herculean task.

basic

He made a herculean effort to lift the heavy box.

basic

Cleaning the whole house alone was a herculean job.

basic

Finishing the marathon in that heat was truly herculean.

natural

She faced herculean challenges starting her own company.

natural

Convincing everyone to agree was a herculean feat.

natural