Definitions

onerous

[on-er-uhs, oh-ner-] / ˈɒn ər əs, ˈoʊ nər- /

ADJECTIVE

difficult; requiring hard labor

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arduous backbreaking burdensome cumbersome demanding difficult distressing excessive exhausting grueling harsh intolerable laborious oppressive painful rigorous severe strenuous taxing troublesome weighty

WEAK

austere crushing embittering exacting exigent fatiguing formidable galling grave grinding hard headache heavy irksome merciless overpowering overtaxing plodding ponderous pressing responsible serious tiresome tiring toilsome vexatious

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm easy effortless facile friendly gentle helpful mild nice simple trivial

WEAK

light

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Onerous regulations also make it needlessly difficult for us to treat the many patients for whom methadone is the best medication.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 8, 2023

Onerous administrative procedures are a key reason why even eligible Medicaid recipients lose coverage.

From Slate • Jul. 13, 2023

Onerous rules and poor communication mired borrowers in confusion, shutting out many who qualify — if they knew about the program at all.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2022

Onerous and confusing reporting requirements can cause employed beneficiaries to lose their insurance anyway, as Arkansas learned last year.

From Washington Post • Dec. 12, 2019

Onerous as these terms were, the agreement came not a moment too soon.

From The Pirates of Malabar, and an Englishwoman in India Two Hundred Years Ago by Biddulph, J. (John)

Vocabulary lists containing onerous

300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Into the Wild

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!