1. done with great effort and difficulty; showing signs of strain
Usage: British spelling
2. breathing with difficulty due to exertion or illness
Usage: British spelling; often medical

Examples

• His laboured breathing indicated he was exhausted from the run.
• The comedian’s laboured jokes fell flat with the audience.
• She gave a laboured explanation that confused everyone.
• The old man’s laboured steps showed his age.
• The essay felt laboured and unnatural in its style.
• After climbing the mountain, his laboured gasps were audible.
• The actor’s laboured performance lacked spontaneity.