thankless job
[/ˈθæŋklɪs dʒɑːb/]
noun phrasepl: thankless jobs
trabalho ingrato
1. A task or position that is difficult, unrewarding, and receives little appreciation or recognition from others
Being a teacher is often a thankless job because their hard work goes unappreciated.
Ser professor é frequentemente um trabalho ingrato porque seu esforço não é reconhecido.
2. Work that provides no gratitude, thanks, or acknowledgment despite the effort required
Cleaning up after the party was a thankless job that nobody wanted to do.
Limpar depois da festa foi um trabalho ingrato que ninguém queria fazer.
In both American and Brazilian cultures, this phrase is commonly used to sympathize with people in occupations like public service, social work, and education. In Brazil, it reflects cultural values around recognition and respect (respeito), making the lack of gratitude particularly significant. The concept is widely understood as a social commentary on undervalued professions.
NYC Slang
a bum deal / a sucky gig / work that's a drag
Related Idioms & Phrases
labor of love (contrasting concept - work done with appreciation)
go the extra mile (related to effort in thankless work)
take one for the team (accepting a thankless job for the greater good)
beat a dead horse (continuing thankless effort)
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