burdensome

adjective

bur·​den·​some ˈbər-dᵊn-səm 

: imposing or constituting a burden : oppressive

burdensome restrictions

Synonyms of burdensome

• oppressive
• harsh
• tough
• searing
• hard
• severe
• brutal
• rough
• onerous
• cruel

Choose the Right Synonym for burdensome

onerous, burdensome, oppressive, exacting mean imposing hardship.

onerous stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful.

the onerous task of cleaning up the mess

burdensome suggests causing mental as well as physical strain.

burdensome responsibilities

oppressive implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed.

the oppressive tyranny of a police state

exacting implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding.

an exacting employer

Examples of burdensome in a Sentence

The responsibility has become burdensome.

the burdensome living conditions that the early settlers had to endure

Recent Examples on the Web

Amendment 3 assumes the caps on non-homestead properties will prevent overly burdensome tax increases on those properties. — Abigail Hall, The Conversation, 30 July 2026

While the city auditor recommended a revenue increase of 82% and 186% for water and sewer respectively, the Department of Utilities determined that this rate increase would be too burdensome to residents. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026

Furniture That’s Difficult to Maintain Large pieces that are difficult to clean, uncomfortable to use, or challenging to move may become more and more burdensome as time goes on. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 26 July 2026

Work and personal responsibilities may feel burdensome, while a partner or colleague expects flexibility from you. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

burdensome

adjective

bur·​den·​some ˈbərd-ᵊn-səm 

: so heavy or hard to take as to be a burden

burdensomeness noun