onerous
/ˈɒnəɹəs/
Group 12Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome GRE
Example in Context
The onerous regulatory requirements imposed on small businesses were widely criticized as disproportionate and counterproductive.
Synonyms
burdensomeheavydemanding
Etymology
Literally means 'burdensome' in Latin, referring to heavy tasks.
- onus (Latin) — burden
Memory Aid
😩Sounds like “owner us”
When the OWNER asks you to carry a mountain of boxes, it feels ONEROUS and you want to say 'NO, NOT US!'
Visual Association
🏋️♂️A person struggling to lift an impossibly heavy weight, sweat pouring down their face.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “onerous” mean on the GRE?
onerous (adjective) means “Involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome”. The onerous regulatory requirements imposed on small businesses were widely criticized as disproportionate and counterproductive.
How to remember “onerous” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “onerous” sounds like “owner us”. When the OWNER asks you to carry a mountain of boxes, it feels ONEROUS and you want to say 'NO, NOT US!'
What are synonyms for “onerous”?
Common synonyms: burdensome, heavy, demanding.