SISYPHEAN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does Sisyphean mean? 

• SISYPHEAN (adjective)
  The adjective SISYPHEAN has 2 senses:

1. of or relating to Sisyphus

2. both extremely effortful and futile

  Familiarity information: SISYPHEAN used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SISYPHEAN (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of or relating to Sisyphus

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Pertainym:

Sisyphus ((Greek legend) a king in ancient Greece who offended Zeus and whose punishment was to roll a huge boulder to the top of a steep hill; each time the boulder neared the top it rolled back down and Sisyphus was forced to start again)

Derivation:

Sisyphus ((Greek legend) a king in ancient Greece who offended Zeus and whose punishment was to roll a huge boulder to the top of a steep hill; each time the boulder neared the top it rolled back down and Sisyphus was forced to start again)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Both extremely effortful and futile

Similar:

effortful (requiring great physical effort)

Derivation:

Sisyphus ((Greek legend) a king in ancient Greece who offended Zeus and whose punishment was to roll a huge boulder to the top of a steep hill; each time the boulder neared the top it rolled back down and Sisyphus was forced to start again)