Laundry list Meaning in English
expression
ˈɫɔndɹi/ /ˈɫɪst
LAWN-dree list
lˈɔːndɹi/ /lˈɪst
LAWN-dree list
Definition
A 'laundry list' is a long or detailed list of items, tasks, or things, often one that seems excessive or overwhelming.
Usage & Nuances
Used informally and often figuratively for any list that feels unnecessarily long or tedious. Not about actual laundry—common in both speech and writing. Frequently used when someone is complaining or emphasizing how much there is to do.
Spanish: lista interminable - lista larga de cosasPortuguese (BR): lista longa - lista interminávelPortuguese (PT): lista longa - lista interminávelChinese (Simplified): 冗长的清单 - 一长串清单Chinese (Traditional): 冗長的清單 - 一長串清單Hindi: लंबी सूचीArabic: قائمة طويلةBengali: লম্বা তালিকা - বিশদ তালিকাRussian: длинный список - подробный списокJapanese: 長々としたリスト - やたら多いリストVietnamese: danh sách dài dằng dặc - danh sách quá nhiềuKorean: 긴 목록 - 지나치게 긴 목록Turkish: uzun liste - detaylı listeUrdu: طویل فہرست - تفصیلی فہرستIndonesian: daftar panjang - daftar yang sangat rinci
Example Sentences
He gave me a laundry list of things to do this weekend.
basic
There's a laundry list of reasons why I can't go.
basic
She wrote a laundry list of groceries to buy.
basic
My boss gave me a laundry list of changes to make to the report.
natural
The proposal has a laundry list of unrealistic promises.
natural
Don't just send me a laundry list—tell me what actually matters.
natural