Which word describes work that is considered tedious and laborious?

The word "drudgery" effectively captures the essence of work that is tedious and laborious. It refers to tasks that are often monotonous, repetitive, and require significant effort, which aligns perfectly with the idea of work that saps energy and enthusiasm. This term conjures an image of heavy, often unfulfilling labor, making it the most appropriate choice for describing such work conditions.

In contrast, the other words presented do not convey the same meaning. "Joy" refers to a feeling of great happiness or pleasure, which is the antithesis of tedious work. "Leisure" implies free time spent in enjoyable activities, not associated with laborious tasks. Similarly, "recreation" denotes activities that are entertaining or relaxing, suggesting a break from work rather than the kind of work described. Therefore, "drudgery" stands out as the clear choice for describing work that is both tedious and labor-intensive.