“Labor” vs. “Work”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “labor” and “work”

  • Labor typically refers to physical or manual work, while work encompasses a broader range of activities.
  • Labor is often seen as less skilled or valued than other forms of work, while work can be seen as more professional or intellectual.
  • Labor is often associated with receiving wages or compensation based on hours worked, while work can be compensated in various ways, including salaries, bonuses, or commissions.
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What is the definition of “labor” and “work”?

Labor
  • Labor refers to physical or mental exertion that is undertaken to achieve a particular task or goal.
  • It often involves repetitive tasks that require strength or endurance and can be difficult or strenuous.
  • Labor can be compensated by wages and is often associated with manual work or production.
Work
  • Work refers to any activity that is undertaken for a particular purpose or goal and can include physical or mental effort.
  • It encompasses a wide range of tasks, from manual labor to professional or creative work.
  • Work is often associated with productivity and can be compensated by salary or other forms of payment.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Work” is the more popular variant on the web.
Labor
1,110,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The construction workers exerted physical labor to build the towering skyscraper.
  2. Manual labor can cause strain and injury to the body if not performed carefully.
  3. The labor union successfully negotiated for better wages and benefits for its members.
More popular
Work
10,210,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I enjoy the work I do because it gives me a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
  2. We need to work together as a team in order to achieve our goals.
  3. After a long day of work, all I wanted to do was relax and watch TV.
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