Onerous is an adjective that describes something that is burdensome, difficult, or oppressive in nature. It refers to tasks, obligations, or responsibilities that impose a great deal of effort, strain, or hardship on an individual or a group.
The term can be used to describe any arduous and demanding undertaking or situation that involves a significant amount of effort, time, or resources. It suggests that the task or obligation is weighty, often exceeding what is considered reasonable or fair.
In legal contexts, onerous refers specifically to contracts or provisions that place an excessive and unfair burden on one party, typically resulting in an imbalance of power or unequal treatment. Such agreements may be characterized by excessive fees, unjust terms, or an unfairly disproportionate distribution of risks and responsibilities.
When applied to personal or professional situations, onerous can convey a sense of being overwhelmed, overburdened, or overloaded with responsibilities. It implies that the task at hand is challenging or demanding to an extent that requires significant effort, making it burdensome or difficult to handle.
Overall, onerous emphasizes the weight and difficulty associated with a task, obligation, or situation, highlighting the strain, hardship, and undue burden it imposes.
