onerous job

USAGE SUMMARY

'onerous job' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a task or job that is difficult or burdensome. For example, "I was given an onerous job of organizing the office supplies, but I managed to finish it within the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"All the time we should have been spending to accumulate, to save land, was taken up in this onerous job of trying to defend ourselves," she said.

The New York Times

Since pregnancy did not fall into any of the three categories of workers eligible for alternate assignments, UPS would not switch her to a less physically onerous job.

The Economist

Glazer's job at Deals Deals Deals on the show was inspired by one particularly onerous job at Lifebooker that both "IRL" Ilana and Jacobson worked.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The memory of watching British athletics in that era is what motivated him to take this onerous job in the first place.

The Guardian - Sport

"I have been asked by a number of governments to stay on for the optional fifth year, but I believe four years is the right term in this demanding and onerous job," Lord Robertson said.

The New York Times

"I am the leader of the Ulster Unionist party, that is a very onerous job in itself, and it gives me some insight into the problems that people have as leaders of other parties.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

This practice was a sensible solution for all, since it enabled a country like West Germany to hire foreign workers to do various relatively onerous jobs for considerably less than it would have had to pay its domestic labor force, and the imported laborers also profited, as they were able to earn considerably more than they could have in their own countries.

SEP

"In all those communities, it was a matter of what wages needed to be paid to get people to do onerous jobs that most people don't want to do".

Huffington Post

They may sometimes admit that it involved prostitution, but never that it was an onerous, degrading job in which, say, they were given no choice about the number of clients, what sexual services to provide, or whether condoms would be used.

The New Yorker

Therefore it's an onerous task as you have to do that for every job".

Independent

It seems an onerous task.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task as an "onerous job", provide specific details about what makes it burdensome or difficult to enhance clarity and impact. For example, "The "onerous job" of regulatory compliance required meticulous attention to detail and extensive documentation."

Common error

While "onerous" accurately describes a difficult task, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. In less formal settings, consider using words like "tough", "hard", or "challenging" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "onerous job" functions as an adjective-noun combination where "onerous" modifies the noun "job". This highlights the demanding and burdensome nature of the job. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "onerous job" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a task or employment that is particularly difficult, burdensome, or demanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly acceptable. It appears frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While the adjective "onerous" may sound formal on its own, the phrase remains fairly neutral. To ensure clarity, specify what makes the job difficult when using the phrase, and consider using less formal alternatives like "tough job" or "demanding task" in casual settings. Understanding these nuances helps writers effectively communicate the challenges associated with various tasks and responsibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Demanding task

Focuses on the high level of effort required.

Burdensome responsibility

Emphasizes the weight and obligation associated with the task.

Difficult undertaking

Highlights the challenging nature and complexity of the task.

Heavy workload

Stresses the large quantity of work involved.

Arduous task

Indicates a task that is strenuous and requires great effort.

Tough assignment

Suggests a difficult and challenging duty.

Formidable challenge

Emphasizes the intimidating and difficult nature of the task.

Laborious endeavor

Focuses on the effort and time-consuming nature of the task.

Grueling work

Implies the task is physically and mentally exhausting.

Taxing duty

Highlights the depleting and draining nature of the task.

FAQs

How can I use "onerous job" in a sentence?

You can use "onerous job" to describe a task that is difficult or burdensome. For example, "Completing the audit was an "onerous job" that required many late nights."

What are some alternatives to saying "onerous job"?

You can use alternatives like "demanding task", "burdensome responsibility", or "difficult undertaking" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "onerous job" in formal writing?

Yes, "onerous job" is suitable for formal writing. It is a precise and professional way to describe a task that involves significant difficulty or effort.

What makes a job qualify as an "onerous job"?

A job is considered an "onerous job" when it involves a significant amount of effort, difficulty, or burden. This could be due to the complexity of the tasks, the time required, or the stress involved.