Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
Onerous
Difficult; burdensome; heavy to bear
adjective💡
Imagine This
It is a difficult job for one person to rule over a town, handle all its paperwork, and make all the decisions for the town folks. When one guy picks up the backpack for his two-week hiking trip, he said, 'The weight is on me.'
🔊
Sounds Like
OH-nuh-ruhs
👀
Looks Like
One_rules
📝
Remember This
From Latin onerosus meaning burdensome; 'onus' means burden. The word emphasizes a heavy burden or obligation.
📚
Other Forms
onerouslyadverb
onerousnessnoun
🔗
Connect With
burdensome, burden, load, taxing, arduous
📌
Note
Onerous is typically used to describe tasks, duties, laws, or obligations that are burdensome or oppressive; not interchangeable with 'easy' or 'light' contexts.
🧠
Study Deeper
Examples
- The new compliance requirements were an onerous burden for small businesses.
- Clerical duties can be an onerous part of a trainee's job.
Synonyms
burdensometaxingarduousheavyoppressive
Antonyms
easymanageableunburdensome
Etymology
From Latin onerosus 'burdensome', from onus 'burden'.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: Onus means burden; add -er- and -ous to form onerous, meaning full of burden. Remember that an onerous task is something burdensome and heavy to bear.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.