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Showing results for burdensome. Search instead for burthensome.
Synonyms

burdensome

American  
[bur-dn-suhm] / ˈbɜr dn səm /

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 British  
/ ˈbɜːdənsəm /

adjective

  1. hard to bear; onerous

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of burdensome

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He thinks AI can help it grow 6% to 8% by streamlining burdensome tasks like managing nursing shifts and scheduling surgeries.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“I reviewed the sections of the IDO pertaining to Safe Outdoor Spaces,” Gil wrote in a subsequent legal document, “and determined that the burdensome regulations would prevent me from doing so.”

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

The energy major is continuing with a strategic reset, cutting costs and selling some assets in a bid to reduce its burdensome debt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Project Iceworm was shelved in 1962, after it was deemed too technically difficult — the ice sheet shifts — and as the Navy and Air Force pursued less burdensome projects on Greenland.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

Sometimes it was exhilarating, but it was demanding, too, and burdensome, to know how to use it well, and when.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry