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

Our consistent goal has been to help readers find ways to get their problems solved, resolve burdensome financial disputes and ensure residents' safety throughout. —Tamia Fowlkes, Journal Sentinel, 9 Dec. 2024

For years, America’s burdensome permitting and interconnection processes have held back clean energy and transmission projects that are vital to our nation’s electricity future. —Ray Long, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Crypto industry insiders had worried such a treatment would have created burdensome regulatory requirements. —Ryan Browne, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2024

Housing and medical costs were also middle of the road, which made retirement less burdensome for older people. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 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