burdensome

Everyday

1. (formal) Heavy or hard to carry. tree →
2. (formal) Causing a lot of work, worry or difficulty, as in «burdensome rules». tree →

In the lessons

It is a rather formal word used in exam writing, news and adult talk: «burdensome taxes», «burdensome paperwork». It tells the reader something is a weight on someone. In plain talk say «a pain», «hard» or «heavy».

Examples

• The heavy pack became burdensome on the long hike. tree →
• Carers can find their duties burdensome. tree →
• The new rules were burdensome for small shops. tree →
• He did not want to be burdensome to his family. tree →
• Too much homework can feel burdensome. tree →
• The king's taxes were burdensome to the poor. tree →

Note

Adjective from «burden» (a heavy load) + -some. Formal register. Opposite: light, easy.

In Jewish tradition

It is a rather formal word used in exam writing, news and adult talk: «burdensome taxes», «burdensome paperwork». It tells the reader something is a weight on someone. In plain talk say «a pain», «hard» or «heavy».

Examples

• And the king said to Absalom: 'Nay, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome unto thee.' And he pressed him; howbeit he would not go, but blessed him. (Prophets 2SA.13.25, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adjective from «burden» (a heavy load) + -some. Formal register. Opposite: light, easy.