Synonyms

onus

American

[oh-nuhs] / ˈoʊ nəs /

noun

plural

onuses

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

Synonyms:

load, duty, weight, responsibility
burden of proof.
blame or responsibility.

onus British

/ ˈəʊnəs /

noun

a responsibility, task, or burden

"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

Etymology

Origin of onus

1630–40; < Latin: load, burden

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.

“The onus is 100% on us to say: here is the value of being here,” said Remzi Arpaci-Dusseau, a professor of computer sciences at University of Wisconsin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

The defense put the onus for the violence on Crook.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

“The onus is on employers to make sure they are not leaving talent underdeveloped.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 6, 2026

Everton boss David Moyes feels the onus has to be on the referees.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

In a feeble attempt to squelch the idea of inviting her, I put the onus back on them.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023