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

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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

more menial comparative, menials plural, most menial superlative

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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."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for menial

dial trial aerial serial filial denial medial racial social burial facial special

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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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