Herculean
adjective
Something that is extremely difficult and requires a lot of effort.
Completing the project was a herculean task.
Often appears as...
- herculean task
- herculean effort
adjective
Having a great strength, like Hercules, a character from ancient Greek mythology.
He displayed herculean strength in the competition.
Often appears as...
- herculean strength
- herculean power
Usage tips
Literary
adjective
Something that is extremely difficult and requires a lot of effort.
Completing the project was a herculean task.
Often appears as...
- herculean task
- herculean effort
adjective
Having a great strength, like Hercules, a character from ancient Greek mythology.
He displayed herculean strength in the competition.
Often appears as...
- herculean strength
- herculean power
Usage tips
Literary
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Often Exaggerated
Used for emphasis, not always literal. Describes tasks that seem almost impossible.
They called it a herculean effort, although it was just a tough day at work.
Pro Tip 2/3Motivational Context
Common in motivational speeches to inspire overcoming big challenges.
With herculean determination, we can achieve our impossible dreams.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Everyday Use
Mostly used in formal or literary settings rather than everyday conversation.
The author described the hero's journey as a herculean quest.
Pro Tip 1/3Often Exaggerated
Used for emphasis, not always literal. Describes tasks that seem almost impossible.
They called it a herculean effort, although it was just a tough day at work.
Pro Tip 2/3Motivational Context
Common in motivational speeches to inspire overcoming big challenges.
With herculean determination, we can achieve our impossible dreams.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Everyday Use
Mostly used in formal or literary settings rather than everyday conversation.
The author described the hero's journey as a herculean quest.
Pro Tip 1/3Often Exaggerated
Used for emphasis, not always literal. Describes tasks that seem almost impossible.
They called it a herculean effort, although it was just a tough day at work.
Pro Tip 2/3Motivational Context
Common in motivational speeches to inspire overcoming big challenges.
With herculean determination, we can achieve our impossible dreams.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Everyday Use
Mostly used in formal or literary settings rather than everyday conversation.
The author described the hero's journey as a herculean quest.
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Video examples
John Wesley Powell: From...
and Bradley said he would go first to take a look and so we lined him down with all the rope we still had in our possession got him as far out on that Herculean rapid as we could and he was going to look to see what it looks like
Video examples
How tall can a tree...
But this journey faces a formidable gravity. To accomplish this herculean task, the xylem relies on three transpiration, capillary action, and root pressure. As part of photosynthesis, leaves open and close pores called stomata.
Video examples
Barbara Block: Tagging...
a huge herculean task, 2,000 tags in an area, shown here for the first time, off the California coast, that appears to be a gathering place. And then for sort of an encore from these animals, they're helping us.
Video examples
Swimming Marine Iguanas...
fighting the surge back to the shore is a herculean task
Video examples
John Wesley Powell: From...
and Bradley said he would go first to take a look and so we lined him down with all the rope we still had in our possession got him as far out on that Herculean rapid as we could and he was going to look to see what it looks like
Video examples
How tall can a tree...
But this journey faces a formidable gravity. To accomplish this herculean task, the xylem relies on three transpiration, capillary action, and root pressure. As part of photosynthesis, leaves open and close pores called stomata.
Video examples
Barbara Block: Tagging...
a huge herculean task, 2,000 tags in an area, shown here for the first time, off the California coast, that appears to be a gathering place. And then for sort of an encore from these animals, they're helping us.
Video examples
Swimming Marine Iguanas...
fighting the surge back to the shore is a herculean task
Example 1 of 4
Quote examples
Clint Smith
American Writer
When the residue of oppression and fear are compounded over time, when the historical precedents of policing and discrimination manifest themselves over and over again, the very act of waking up to a world complicit in your distress can feel like a herculean task. But black people are human beings, just like everyone else.
Quote examples
Channing Dungey
American Businesswoman
Jimmy Kimmel has proven to be a preeminent voice in comedy, with 15 seasons of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' under his belt and successfully tackling the herculean task of hosting both the Emmys and the Oscars in the same season.
Quote examples
Sam Graves
American Politician
Removing government-created obstacles to small business growth is what Washington should be addressing, and this focus should start with removing the herculean impediments to job creation found in the health care law.
Quote examples
Clint Smith
American Writer
When the residue of oppression and fear are compounded over time, when the historical precedents of policing and discrimination manifest themselves over and over again, the very act of waking up to a world complicit in your distress can feel like a herculean task. But black people are human beings, just like everyone else.
Quote examples
Channing Dungey
American Businesswoman
Jimmy Kimmel has proven to be a preeminent voice in comedy, with 15 seasons of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' under his belt and successfully tackling the herculean task of hosting both the Emmys and the Oscars in the same season.
Quote examples
Sam Graves
American Politician
Removing government-created obstacles to small business growth is what Washington should be addressing, and this focus should start with removing the herculean impediments to job creation found in the health care law.
Example 1 of 3
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