"diligent and dull, moving or working with slow and patient diligence," 1580s, present-participle adjective from plod (v.). Related: Ploddingly.
Entries linking to plodding
plod v.
"trudge, travel or work slowly and perseveringly; go with steady and laborious diligence," 1560s, of uncertain origin, perhaps imitative of the sound of walking heavily or slowly. Related: Plodded; plodder; plodding.