What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
onerous
Example
The new regulations placed an onerous burden on small businesses. [onerous: adjective]
Example
The project's onerous requirements made it difficult to complete on time. [onerous: adjective]
troublesome
Example
The printer has been acting up lately, causing troublesome delays. [troublesome: adjective]
Example
The neighbors' loud parties have become quite troublesome for the other residents. [troublesome: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Troublesome is more commonly used than onerous in everyday language. Troublesome is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while onerous is less common and has a more formal connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between onerous and troublesome?
Onerous is typically associated with a more formal tone, while troublesome can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.