onus

American  

[oh-nuhs] / ˈoʊ nəs /

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.

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onus British  

/ ˈəʊnəs /

noun

1. a responsibility, task, or burden

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Etymology

Origin of onus

1630–40; < Latin: load, burden

Example Sentences

But maintaining this equilibrium put the onus on the individual and his or her diet and regimen—no small burden.

From The Wall Street Journal

Murley reported that this staff member's behaviour was widely known, but felt there was an onus on him to "laugh it off".

From BBC

In a world first in December, Australia banned under-16s from major social media platforms including TikTok, with the onus on tech firms to kick young users off their services.

From Barron's

That puts the onus on the worker to provide accurate amounts.

From MarketWatch

“The onus is on everyone to manage their own interests but at the same time not poke the bear,” said David Oxley, chief climate and commodities economist at Capital Economics.

From The Wall Street Journal