In order to do work on an object how do force and direction relate

Work will be done only when the force is applied in the direction where the object moves. Else, there is no work done inspite of applying force.

Explanation:

According to the standard definition of work, it's simply the product of force applied on the object to the distance it travels due to the force. But, the fact lies that work depends on the direction of the force applied on the object.

The more reliable definition of work done is when the force is applied in the direction of motion of the object with which there should be a change in the kinetic energy of an object.

You can simply think of the wall which is standing straight. If you try to apply force by your hands on the wall, you are actually working, but the agony is that there is not work done technically as there is no movement in the direction of the force applied.