onerous
adjective | /onerous/
Advanced WordsMEDIUM
(of a task or responsibility) involving a great deal of effort, trouble, or difficulty
onerous
adjective | /onerous/
Advanced WordsMEDIUM(of a task or responsibility) involving a great deal of effort, trouble, or difficulty
Learning Progress
Synonyms
burdensomeheavytroublesomearduousstrenuous
Antonyms
easyeffortlesscomfortableendurable
Examples
"The contract placed onerous obligations on the small company."
"Parenting can be rewarding but also onerous when juggling work and childcare."
Mnemonic Trick
ONEROUS → ONE OAR US: imagine one person rowing a heavy boat — burdensome work.
Etymology
From Latin onerosus, from onus (burden).
Implies heavy, oppressive burden.
Source: Advanced WordsAdded: 9/15/2025
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