Onerous Meaning and Definition
Onerous
Pronunciation
/əˈnɪərəs/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A thing that is difficult to accept or handle because it is serious, heavy, or oppressive; a burden or a weight.
Examples
- The fine was an onerous expense for the family.
- The terms of the contract were onerous, and we had to negotiate changes.
Synonyms
- Onerous implies a sense of weight or burden, and is often used to describe something that is difficult to bear or difficult to handle.
- Heavy
- Burdensome
Etymology
The word “onerous” comes from the Latin “onerosus”, meaning “burdensome” or “oppressive”.
Usage Notes
Onerous is often used to describe something that is difficult to accept or handle, and is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as contracts, law, and finance.
Cultural References
Onerous has been used in various cultural references, including literature and film.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “An onerous task” implies that the task is difficult or burdensome.
Related Words or Phrases
- Burdensome
- Heavy
- Oppressive
Collocations
- Onerous task
- Onerous burden
Frequency of Use
Onerous is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but it is often used in formal or technical contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Onorous
- Onerius