What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
burdensome
Example
The burden of caring for her sick mother was becoming increasingly burdensome. [burdensome: adjective]
Example
The company's financial troubles made the debt burdensome to repay. [burdensome: adjective]
onerous
Example
The new regulations imposed on small businesses were onerous and difficult to comply with. [onerous: adjective]
Example
The contract had many onerous clauses that put a lot of pressure on the company. [onerous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Burdensome is more commonly used than onerous in everyday language. Burdensome is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while onerous is less common and tends to be used in more formal or specialized settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between burdensome and onerous?
While burdensome is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, onerous is more formal and suitable for professional or academic contexts.
