Burden: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in situations where something is a heavy responsibility or a difficult obligation that weighs someone down mentally or emotionally.

• The debt was a huge burden on his shoulders.
• She felt the burden of caring for her elderly parents.

Used when referring to the amount of weight carried or supported, either physically or metaphorically. It can also mean a burden, but is less emotionally charged.

• The truck carries a heavy load.
• He is balancing the load of work and family responsibilities.

Refers to both the physical heaviness of an object and a figurative sense of emotional or mental pressure.

• She was concerned about her weight.
• The weight of his decisions affected him deeply.

Appropriate in situations related to transported goods, usually by ships, planes, or trucks.

• The ship was loaded with valuable cargo.
• They are inspecting the cargo before it gets shipped.

Used when referring to something heavy, difficult, or causing worry. It can have a negative connotation, implying that the task or situation is difficult to handle.

• The debt has become a heavy burden on their finances.
• Caring for her sick parents is a big emotional burden.

Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or having control over someone. It is neutral and can be used positively or negatively.

• It is your responsibility to complete the project on time.
• He took full responsibility for the mistake.

Generally used in more formal or legal language to indicate a duty or obligation that is placed on someone. It stresses the responsibility to act or decide.

• The onus is on the prosecution to prove the defendant's guilt.
• The onus lies with the company to ensure safety standards are met.

Often associated with mental or emotional strain or tension. It is usually used in contexts that discuss pressure and anxiety, commonly having a negative connotation.

• The workload at the office causes him a lot of stress.
• She felt a lot of stress before the final exams.

Situations where someone or something is carrying a heavy load, either physically or mentally. It is neutral in tone and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

• She felt the burden of her responsibilities weigh heavily on her shoulders.
• The donkey carried a heavy burden up the steep hill.

Used when something restricts or hinders movement or action, either literally or figuratively. It carries a slightly formal tone and can imply a negative impact.

• The hiker was encumbered by a heavy backpack.
• His decisions were encumbered by financial constraints.

Describes a situation where someone or something is carrying too much, causing strain or stress. It is used with a negative connotation.

• The students felt overburdened with homework.
• The worker was overburdened with tasks and could not complete them all on time.

Mostly used in situations where someone or something is physically or emotionally loaded with a heavy weight. It often has a negative connotation and implies an ongoing issue.

• The heavy coat weighed him down as he trudged through the snow.
• She was weighed down by guilt after making a big mistake.