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menial

adjective

/ˈmiːnɪəl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of menial

Low-skilled, low-paying, and often requiring little education or training.
"The menial work was monotonous and unfulfilling."

Detailed meaning of menial

Menial tasks are often considered to be routine, repetitive, and uninteresting, and may involve manual labor or other physical tasks. It can also refer to a job or task that is considered to be beneath one's skill level or station in life.

In a workplace, menial tasks are often considered to be the least desirable and are often assigned to the lower-paid employees or to those with less experience. They can include tasks such as cleaning, stocking, or doing data entry.

In general, menial work is considered to be low-skilled, low-paying, and often requiring little education or training. It is often considered to be uninteresting, routine and repetitive, and is often seen as less desirable than other types of work.

Example sentences containing menial

1. The new intern was assigned menial tasks like filing and making photocopies.
2. She felt frustrated and unfulfilled in her menial job as a janitor.
3. The workers in the factory were responsible for performing repetitive and menial tasks.
4. The robot was designed to handle menial chores around the house, such as vacuuming and washing dishes.
5. The actress started her career with menial roles, gradually working her way up to leading parts.
6. The menial laborers toiled in the scorching sun, doing backbreaking work.

History and etymology of menial

The adjective 'menial' traces its etymological origins to the Late Latin word 'minialis,' derived from 'minister' meaning 'servant' or 'attendant.' 'Menial' is used to describe tasks or jobs that are low-skilled, low-paying, and often require little education or training. These are typically roles associated with performing routine or labor-intensive work, such as cleaning, manual labor, or other tasks that are considered less prestigious. The term embodies the historical hierarchy of labor, with 'menial' jobs being at the lower end of the spectrum. Today, 'menial' serves as a descriptor for work that is often essential but undervalued, highlighting the need for fair compensation and recognition for individuals in such roles

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Further usage examples of menial

1. He took on a menial job to make ends meet while pursuing his dreams.
2. The company hired a cleaning crew to handle the menial maintenance tasks.
3. The menial wage offered for the job was not commensurate with the level of responsibility.
4. The student intern was eager to prove herself, even in menial assignments.
5. The tedious and menial paperwork consumed a significant portion of his workday.
6. The menial chores at home were divided among family members to share the workload.
7. The company automated certain menial tasks to improve efficiency and reduce human error.
8. The apprentices were given menial assignments as part of their training in the trade.
9. The menial job taught him humility and the value of hard work.
10. The elderly couple relied on caregivers to assist with their menial daily tasks.
11. The newly hired employee was frustrated with the menial training sessions, feeling underutilized.
12. The menial nature of the job often made him question his career choices.
13. The menial laborers were the backbone of the construction site, performing essential but often overlooked tasks.
14. The company recognized the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of menial workers.
15. He was tired of performing menial tasks at the office.
16. The menial labor was physically demanding but paid little.
17. The menial work was not what she had in mind when she took the job.
18. He felt like his job was just a series of menial tasks.
19. The menial jobs were often given to the new hires.
20. He was stuck doing menial work while his coworkers were on important projects.
21. The menial tasks were a necessary part of the job.
22. The menial job was a stepping stone to better opportunities.
23. He was overqualified for the menial job he was currently doing.
24. The menial task required little skill but a lot of patience.
25. The menial work was not something he wanted to do for the rest of his life.