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

• assessment
• duty
• impost
• levy
• tax

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

Historically, trade tensions and the imposition of tariffs have led to market volatility as investors weigh the implications for global trade and economic growth. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

But their underlying objection, Upson explained, was to the imposition of a narrative. —Chelsea Edgar, The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2025

The martial law imposition, the first of its kind in South Korea in more than four decades, lasted only six hours. —Hyung-Jin Kim The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 27 Jan. 2025

The mixed messages — holding off on ordering tariffs, but then casually mentioning their looming imposition — points to the deep economic uncertainty that will affect global policymaking in coming months. —Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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