English vocabulary · C2
Onerous
/ˈɑː.nɚ.əs/ · adj.
An onerous task needs so much work that it is hard to bear. It takes time and strength, and leaves you tired with little chance to rest.
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Example sentences
- Onerous fees kept us poor.
- This onerous job leaves no rest.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- onerosus — hard to bear (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- BURDENSOME — hard to carry or do (Too much to bear)
- DEMANDING — needing much work (Needing much effort)
- ARDUOUS — needing great effort (Hard to finish)
Similar words
- burdensome
- demanding
- arduous
- taxing
- trying
Lesson notes
An onerous task needs so much work that it is hard to bear. It takes time and strength, and leaves you tired with little chance to rest.
Related: burdensome, demanding, arduous. Use onerous when tasks are hard.
Onerous fees kept us poor. This onerous job leaves no rest.
From Latin. onerosus- means hard to bear. An onerous task is hard to bear and needs much work.