onus

onus

noun

Definition of ONUS

1

a mark of guilt or disgrace <hoping to avoid the onus of failure by lowering expectations ahead of time>

Synonyms blot, brand, onus, slur, smirch, smudge, spot, stigma, taint

Related Words black eye, discredit, disesteem, disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, guilt, ignominy, infamy, obloquy, odium, opprobrium, reproach, shame; corruption, debauchery, depravity, immorality, iniquity, licentiousness, sin, unscrupulousness, vice

Near Antonyms award, credit, honor; chasteness, chastity, modesty, purity, stainlessness; good, right; honesty, integrity, legitimacy, probity, rectitude, scrupulousness, uprightness; goodness, righteousness, virtuousness; fame, glory, renown, repute

2

responsibility for wrongdoing or failure <he perpetually tries to shift the onus for any mistakes onto other team members>

Synonyms culpability, fault, guilt, onus, rap

Related Words blameworthiness, complicity, guiltiness, sinfulness; accusation, censure, condemnation, denunciation, finger-pointing, reproach; regret, remorse, self-reproach, shame

Antonyms blamelessness, faultlessness, guiltlessness, innocence