Here are some examples:
* Physical: "The hikers plodded slowly up the mountain trail." (They walked slowly and with effort.)
* Mental: "The writer plodded through his novel, struggling to find inspiration." (He worked slowly and with difficulty.)
Other related meanings of plodding:
* Dull: "The movie was a plodding affair, with no surprises or excitement." (The movie was boring and lacked energy.)
* Tedious: "The task was plodding and repetitive." (The task was boring and required little thought.)
In contrast:
* Energetic: "The dancer moved with energy and grace, not in a plodding way."
* Excitement: "The game was full of excitement, not just plodding play."
So, "plodding" implies a lack of speed, energy, or interest, often associated with routine or difficult tasks.