imposition

noun

im·​po·​si·​tion ˌim-pə-ˈzi-shən 

1

: something imposed: such as

a

: an excessive or uncalled-for requirement or burden

b

: levy, tax

2

: the act of imposing

the imposition of a tariff

You can stay with me. It's not an imposition.

3

: deception

4

: the order of arrangement of imposed pages

Synonyms of imposition

• tax
• levy

Examples of imposition in a Sentence

Your kids can stay with me the night you're away—it's really not an imposition.

the imposition of a life sentence on the defendant

the imposition of a tax on liquor

Recent Examples on the Web

Legal challenges are likely Legal experts say the unilateral imposition of tariffs against 60 economies at once is unprecedented. —Paxton Honerkamp, CNBC, 9 June 2026

From his home in Doha, Infantino helped Qatar establish a new precedent for a host’s imposition of its norms on visitors. —Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026

Therefore, a second execution would not violate the prohibition on double jeopardy or on the imposition of cruel punishment. —Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 4 June 2026

Its regulations are few and reasonable; the new Texas Stock Exchange is open for business on Y’all Street; and the state constitution prohibits the imposition of a personal income tax. —Robert T. Miller, Washington Post, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for imposition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

imposition

noun

im·​po·​si·​tion ˌim-pə-ˈzish-ən 

1

: the act of imposing

2

a

: something (as a tax) that is imposed

b

: a demand or request that is very troublesome