burdensome

adjective

bur·​den·​some ˈbər-dᵊn-səm 

: imposing or constituting a burden : oppressive

burdensome restrictions

Synonyms

• 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

Taking Altadena’s new land-use plan even further, governments throughout California should eliminate burdensome zoning restrictions and allow housing to develop in accordance with market demand. —Kristian Fors, Oc Register, 12 Aug. 2025

The burden isn’t light, at both ends of the spectrum, but for suppliers being audited by big brands, the process can become burdensome. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 11 Aug. 2025

More than a decade ago, reform-minded technologists took a process that was burdensome and slow, and set out to streamline it in order to empower contractors, commercial organizations and government officials to be able to work within the federal government. —Lisa Umberger, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

That process is far more burdensome and not intended for students whose primary purpose is academic. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Aug. 2025

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