onus

[oh-nuhs]

noun

plural

onuses 

1. a difficult or disagreeable obligation, task, burden, etc.

   Synonyms: load, duty, weight, responsibility

2. burden of proof.

3. blame or responsibility.

onus

/ ˈəʊnəs /

noun

1. a responsibility, task, or burden

Word History and Origins

Origin of onus¹

1630–40; < Latin: load, burden

Word History and Origins

Origin of onus¹

C17: from Latin: burden

Example Sentences

Candidates have until Dec. 8 to formally declare which seats they are running for in 2026, putting the onus on the courts to soon clarify which map will be used in that election.

Read more on Salon

Others are putting the onus on staff to think creatively about how to make money or save time with the tech.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The onus is now on Trex to show it can grow faster than the overall composite decking market in the years to come, the firm argued.

Read more on Barron's

Unfortunately, the lack of application was not picked up by us as we do not normally apply for licences on behalf of our clients; the onus is on them to apply.

Read more on BBC

The central bank’s balancing act shifts the onus on refueling growth to Mark Carney, the prime minister and previously Macklem’s boss at the Bank of Canada.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal