burdensome

adjective

bur·​den·​some ˈbər-dᵊn-səm 

: imposing or constituting a burden : oppressive

burdensome restrictions

Synonyms

• bitter
• brutal
• cruel
• excruciating
• grievous
• grim
• hard
• hardhanded
• harsh
• heavy
• inhuman
• murderous
• onerous
• oppressive
• rough
• rugged
• searing
• severe
• stiff
• tough
• trying

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

The logistics part is a prime example, as Amazon assumes much of the heavy lifting that otherwise could prove burdensome and inaccessible to a disabled person. —Steven Aquino, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Musk’s behavior, say the former employees, acted as cover for other platforms that saw trust and safety work as a burdensome cost. —Vittoria Elliott, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024

The big picture: For months, industry groups have warned the proposal would lead to burdensome restrictions, but actual details haven't been made public until now. —Kyle Stokes, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024

Bespoke and made-to-measure tailoring offer that glorious and burdensome luxury of choice — sometimes unlimited choice. —Dave Schilling, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024

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