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

Reducing burdensome regulatory barriers to make homeownership achievable for first-time buyers. — Letters To The Editor, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026

Canada’s crypto laws are already burdensome enough, but they are also layered on top of a fragmented and inefficient system of securities regulation. — Karia Samaroo, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026

But the application process can be burdensome, requiring applicants to list all sources of income, including government aid. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Consumers may purchase premium equipment with ambitious intentions, only to use it infrequently if setup, storage or transportation becomes burdensome. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 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