# onerous

/ˈoʊnɝəs/ (US) · /ˈəʊnəɹəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/onerous
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

describing a task or duty that is very difficult, boring, or unpleasant to do.

For teachers: characterised by being burdensome, tedious, or difficult to perform. Often used to describe professional or legal obligations that are perceived as a heavy responsibility.

## Examples

- The new job has many onerous duties.
- The legal team warned that the contract contained several onerous clauses that would be difficult to fulfill.
- While the position offers a high salary, the onerous nature of the administrative tasks often leads to high staff turnover within the first year.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.