What is the meaning of the word "arduous" in the context of tasks?

The word "arduous" describes tasks that require a significant amount of effort and are challenging to complete. It conveys a sense of difficulty and hardship, often involving physical or mental strain. This aligns perfectly with the idea of activities that are strenuous, demanding perseverance and resilience to accomplish.

In contrast, the other choices suggest qualities that are opposite to what "arduous" conveys. For example, describing tasks as effortless and quick or very simple and easy completely undermines the essence of "arduous," which emphasizes the demand for considerable work and effort. Likewise, lengthy and time-consuming tasks do not necessarily imply difficulty; they may simply take a long time without being particularly challenging. Therefore, the correct answer succinctly captures the true nature of what "arduous" entails in the context of tasks.