SKIP TO CONTENT

herculean

/hərˈkjuliən/
IPA guide

Things that take great strength — like throwing a boulder or finishing math homework — are sometimes called herculean in honor of Herculues, the hero from Greek mythology.

Just like Thursday comes from the Scandinavian god Thor, the Greek hero Hercules gave us this word. Herculean was first used to describe Hercules himself, and later applied to anyone or anything who showed similar strength. Herculean can be used in several ways. You can make a herculean effort to accomplish a herculean task. Any job that is a piece of cake — an easy job that that anyone could do — is totally non-herculean. Save this word for jobs that really deserve the label.

Definitions of herculean
  1. adjective
    extremely difficult; requiring great strength
    “a herculean task”
    synonyms:
    difficult, hard
    not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
  2. adjective
    displaying superhuman strength or power
    herculean exertions”
    synonyms: powerful
    superhuman
    above or beyond the human or demanding more than human power or endurance
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘herculean'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family