Donkey-work is a term that is used to describe tedious and monotonous tasks that require a lot of effort but have little or no reward. Some synonyms for donkey-work include drudgery, toil, slog, grunt work, or grunt labor. Other alternatives include grind, laboriousness, tedium, or menial labor. These synonyms convey the difficulty and exhausting nature of tasks that can leave one feeling drained and mentally fatigued. Although these terms may carry a negative connotation, they are sometimes necessary to achieve a job well done. It is important to recognize and appreciate the value of such work, even though it may not always be glamorous or exciting.