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

3

: deception

4

: the order of arrangement of imposed pages

Synonyms

• 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

Expectations for the year have also been tempered by the imposition of some of the highest tariffs in the region by President Trump—40 percent for Myanmar, compared with around 20 percent for much of Southeast Asia. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 18 Aug. 2025

Last week, the White House announced the imposition of an additional 25% tariff on India, citing its Russian oil purchases. —Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025

In Switzerland, still reeling from Trump’s imposition of a 39% tariff, initial data on Friday may reveal that the economy suddenly contracted in the second quarter, even before that trade shock hit. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2025

And earlier this month, Beijing granted a reprieve for Europe’s major cognac makers following an anti-dumping probe widely seen as retaliation for the bloc’s imposition of up to 45% tariffs on its electric vehicles last year. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 22 July 2025

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