burdensome

[bur-dn-suhm]

adjective

1. oppressively heavy; onerous.

2. distressing; troublesome.

3. Nautical.,  having a full hull form, as a merchant vessel built for capacity rather than speed.

burdensome

/ ˈbɜːdənsəm /

adjective

1. hard to bear; onerous

Other Word Forms

• burdensomely adverb
• burdensomeness noun
• nonburdensome adjective
• nonburdensomely adverb
• nonburdensomeness noun
• unburdensome adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of burdensome¹

First recorded in 1570–80; burden ¹ + -some ¹

Example Sentences

Yet it never felt burdensome to manage it.

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Social interactions prompt the brain to release “rewarding chemicals,” which is why engaging with others feels intrinsically pleasurable rather than burdensome.

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And it’s becoming more burdensome as the instability of America’s student-loan apparatus comes into sharp focus.

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Glennie: I agree, there is a growing cruelty in how governments are turning their backs on those they see as inconvenient or burdensome.

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Their temporary coach having steadied them through every challenge, including his own uncertain future, those players yearned to preserve what might have been the best part of a burdensome season.

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Related Words

• demanding 
• difficult 
• onerous 
• oppressive 
• taxing