What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
onerous
Example
The new job came with onerous responsibilities that required long hours and attention to detail. [onerous: adjective]
Example
The company's policies placed an onerous burden on its employees, making it difficult to achieve work-life balance. [onerous: adjective]
difficult
Example
Learning a new language can be difficult, but it's worth the effort. [difficult: adjective]
Example
The project was difficult to complete due to the lack of resources and time constraints. [difficult: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Difficult is more commonly used than onerous in everyday language, and is more versatile in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between onerous and difficult?
Onerous is more formal than difficult, and is often used in legal or official contexts.
