plugging away
Steadily working through
Plugging away means working steadily and persistently at something, usually over an extended period and often without dramatic results.
The phrase suggests diligent, unglamorous effort rather than inspired bursts of productivity.
She's been plugging away at her dissertation for three years now.
Someone who plugs away keeps at a task despite slow progress or obstacles, maintaining consistent effort where others might give up.
Devoted to steady effort
- conscientiousScrupulously careful and thorough
- meticulousShowing extreme attention to detail
- assiduousShowing careful persistent effort
- thoroughComplete in every detail
methodical · painstaking · careful · attentive · dedicated · focused · disciplined · systematic
Sustained resolve despite obstacles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- steadfastnessFirm loyal dedication
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
resolve · dedication · commitment · doggedness · slogging · grinding · sticking with it · hanging in there
Not varying or contradicting
- steadyFixed, not fluctuating
- unwaveringSteady and unchanging
- reliableConsistently performing as expected
- constantFixed, unvarying quantity
persistent · sustained · continuous · unrelenting · unflagging · tireless · indefatigable · patient
Marked by recurrence
- monotonousUnchangingly dull
- tediousBoring through length
- humdrumLacking variety or excitement
- routineRegular sequence of actions
plodding · unglamorous · thankless · wearisome · dreary · dull · grinding · mind-numbing
Sustained strenuous effort
- toilStrenuous, prolonged effort
- laborStrenuous effort; also childbirth
- exertionVigorous physical effort
- elbow greaseStrenuous physical effort
sweat · grind · hustle · struggle · striving · endeavor · work ethic · nose to the grindstone
industrious
Devoted to steady effort
- conscientiousScrupulously careful and thorough
- meticulousShowing extreme attention to detail
- assiduousShowing careful persistent effort
thorough · methodical · painstaking · careful · attentive · dedicated · focused · disciplined · systematic · scrupulous
perseverance
Sustained resolve despite obstacles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- steadfastnessFirm loyal dedication
grit · resolve · dedication · commitment · doggedness · slogging · grinding · sticking with it · hanging in there · pressing on
consistent
Not varying or contradicting
- steadyFixed, not fluctuating
- unwaveringSteady and unchanging
- reliableConsistently performing as expected
constant · persistent · sustained · continuous · unrelenting · unflagging · tireless · indefatigable · patient · measured
repetitive
Marked by recurrence
- monotonousUnchangingly dull
- tediousBoring through length
- humdrumLacking variety or excitement
routine · plodding · unglamorous · thankless · wearisome · dreary · dull · grinding · mind-numbing · soul-destroying
hard work
Sustained strenuous effort
- toilStrenuous, prolonged effort
- laborStrenuous effort; also childbirth
- exertionVigorous physical effort
elbow grease · sweat · grind · hustle · struggle · striving · endeavor · work ethic · nose to the grindstone · burning midnight oil
- tenacitydetermined, persistence, persistent, perseverance, determination
- persistingpersisting, persevering, persistence, perseverance, continuing
- perseverancepersist, never give up, tenacity, hang in there, endurance
plugging awaygiving up
Choosing to stop trying
quitting · abandoning · throwing in the towel · surrendering · walking away
plugging awaysprinting
Maximum-speed locomotion on foot
rushing · racing · blitzing · cramming · burning out
plugging awayslacking off
Neglecting responsibilities deliberately
loafing · goofing off · idling · coasting · lazing about
plug, plugging, plugged, plugs, unplug, unplugged, unplugging, away