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V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary


onerous

adjective

Definition: difficult and troublesome

Synonyms: difficult, troublesome, burdensome, demanding, oppressive, tedious, arduous, tiring, weighty, cumbersome, laborious

Antonyms: easy, trivial, effortless, smooth, untiring

Tips: Onerous is closely related to the word onus, which means "burden." It describes anything that imposes strain or hardship. In negotiating, you may hear someone say, "They don't want to make the terms so onerous (difficult, burdensome, demanding) as to kill the deal."

Usage Examples:

I’m going to have an onerous schedule during my next business trip; it’ll be a wonder if I get any sleep at all. (arduous, tiring)

The company pulled out of the deal because many of the contract stipulations were onerous and impossible to meet. (burdensome, oppressive)

She had the onerous task of cleaning up after her son's birthday party. (laborious, tedious)

The jury had the onerous duty of deciding whether the defendant was guilty or innocent. (difficult, weighty)


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