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Comparing the load: unpacking "burdensome" vs. "onerous"

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 19/10/2024, 11:49
English.me team member
Burdensome and onerous. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "burdensome" and "onerous" describe something that involves a lot of effort and difficulty, often causing stress or inconvenience.

What is different?

While "burdensome" typically emphasizes the emotional or physical weight or stress of a task, "onerous" often highlights the legal or formal obligations that make a task difficult.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for burdensome) and onerous

Examples of usage

Burdensome
  • The long commute became burdensome after a few months.
  • Taking care of the large estate was burdensome for the family.
  • Her responsibilities at work were becoming increasingly burdensome.
Onerous
  • The contract had onerous terms that were difficult to fulfill.
  • Managing the legal requirements was an onerous task.
  • The government regulations were considered onerous by the small business.