There is a difference between מלאכה and עבודה (work) – any work that a man occupies himself with to do for a special purpose is called מלאכה. And when there is an extra effort and toiling, it is called עבודה. And it is usually agriculture (or that which has a similar level of toiling) or work that is usually done through servants.

And on the Sabbath and the Day of Atonement, מלאכה is prohibited. And on holidays,מלאכת אוכל נפש (work for the purpose of eating) is permitted, and only מלאכת עבודה (servile work) is prohibited. And there is ordinary מלאכה (work) and מלאכת מחשבת (skillful work).