- Today's Word
Onerous
OH-ner-uhs
Definition
(adjective) Burdensome, oppressive, or difficult to carry out.
Example
Fulfilling the contract’s onerous terms drained their finances and energy.
Fun Fact
Derived from the Latin onus, meaning “burden,” onerous is often used in legal or financial settings to describe obligations that are more trouble than they’re worth. From taxes to chores to unfair contracts, an onerous task is one that weighs heavily—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
(verb) To abolish, repeal, or put an end to something (especially a law, policy, or agreement).
The committee voted to abrogate the outdated regulation, clearing the way for more modern standards.
From Latin abrogare, meaning “to repeal” or “to take away by law.”