adj
C2
Proficient
menial
MEE-nee-uhl
Menial (adj) means describing unskilled, low-status work, especially the kind of routine tasks a servant would do. Example: “He took a menial job stacking shelves while he studied at night.”
adj
1
Describing unskilled, low-status work, especially the kind of routine tasks a servant would do.
"He took a menial job stacking shelves while he studied at night."
"She refused to do the menial chores nobody else wanted."
noun
1
A person in a servile, low-ranking role, especially a domestic servant.
"The lord treated the guests as royalty and the staff as menials."
How to use menial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLow-skilled, unglamorous work, or (older use) a servant.
When to use it
Often used with a slightly dismissive or negative tone, implying the work is beneath someone.
Common pairings
menial job
menial task
menial labour
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Word forms
- Plural
- menials
- Comparative
- more menial
- Superlative
- most menial
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He took a _____ job stacking shelves while he studied at night.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman mesnal, from maisnee ("household"), ultimately from Latin mānsiō ("house") — the same root that gives us "mansion."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for menial
See all rhymes for menial →Frequently asked questions
What does “menial” mean?
The word “menial” means describing unskilled, low-status work, especially the kind of routine tasks a servant would do. In plain terms, low-skilled, unglamorous work, or (older use) a servant.
How do you pronounce “menial”?
“Menial” is pronounced MEE-nee-uhl (/ˈmiːni.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “menial” in a sentence?
Here is “menial” used in a sentence: “He took a menial job stacking shelves while he studied at night.”
What part of speech is “menial”?
Depending on how it is used, “menial” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “menial” come from?
The word “menial” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman mesnal, from maisnee ("household"), ultimately from Latin mānsiō ("house") — the same root that gives us "mansion.".
How many meanings does “menial” have?
“Menial” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: describing unskilled, low-status work, especially the kind of routine tasks a servant would do.
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