Sekirov Dictionary

treadmill

/ˈtɹɛd.mɪl/

noun 4
verb 2
forms 3

noun4

A piece of indoor sporting equipment used to allow for the motions of running or walking while staying in one place.
•
(figurative) A process or situation in which continued effort leads to or is required for remaining at a particular state or level without moving ahead.
- Elizabeth Schor (1999) has long argued that this status treadmill, even if not universal, has worked to “ratchet” global conceptualizations of need and desire upward over time. — 2021
A mill worked by horses, dogs, etc., treading an endless belt.
•
(historical) A mill worked by persons treading upon steps on the periphery of a wide wheel having a horizontal axis. It was used principally as a means of prison discipline.
- Their paternal house of Drummington, Foker could very seldom be got to visit. He swore he had rather go on the treadmill than stay there. — 1848

verb2

To exercise on a treadmill.
(figurative) To keep busy, for example, with work or with other tasks, without being able to get ahead or make progress towards long-term goals.

forms

treadmilled · treadmilling · treadmills

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