onerous process

USAGE SUMMARY

"onerous process" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when referring to a process which is difficult or time-consuming. For example, "The paperwork involved in obtaining a visa can be an onerous process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Until now, this has been an onerous process that sometimes involves selecting more than 100 candidates.

The Guardian

Their argument is that this should not be an excessively onerous process.

The New York Times

As for the remaining citations, he said most of them would be handled through a less formal, less onerous process.

The New York Times

"You have to go through the genealogy of ownership, and finding the original polluter is an onerous process".

The New York Times

The Israeli rabbinate makes conversion a very onerous process that includes months of living under scrutiny in an Orthodox community.

The New York Times

The Legislature failed to address the mass disenfranchisement of ex-felons, who must each navigate the onerous process for restoration of rights.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

They have also pledged to improve Britain's onerous visa process.

The Economist

The U.S. Travel Association, in fact, is worried that the more onerous screening process will discourage air travel.

The New York Times

Other plants may have been slowed by an onerous licensing process or by not-in-my-backyard opposition.

The New York Times

The only significant exception grants hunters the right to own guns, but only after an onerous application process.

The New York Times

The most recent documents refer to a "more onerous authorisation process" after the prime minister's avowal of the "use of bulk personal data".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "onerous process" when you want to emphasize that a procedure is not only difficult but also feels burdensome or oppressive due to its complexity or length.

Common error

Avoid using "onerous process" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "difficult" or "tough" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "onerous process" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a specific procedure or series of actions that are considered difficult and burdensome. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "onerous process" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a procedure or task that is not only difficult but also burdensome. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When writing, it's crucial to consider the level of formality, as simpler alternatives may be more suitable for casual settings. Key takeaways include using "onerous process" to emphasize burden and exploring synonyms like "difficult procedure" or "complex undertaking" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult procedure

Replaces "onerous" with a more general term for difficulty.

burdensome task

Shifts the focus to the burden imposed by the process.

complex undertaking

Highlights the complicated nature of the process.

laborious procedure

Emphasizes the effort and time required.

demanding activity

Focuses on the high demands placed on resources or individuals.

challenging endeavor

Indicates the presence of significant obstacles.

cumbersome operation

Points to the awkwardness or inefficiency of the process.

tedious exercise

Stresses the monotonous and wearisome nature.

complicated routine

Focuses on the intricate and potentially confusing nature of the established way of doing something.

time-consuming affair

Highlights the significant time investment required.

FAQs

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

You can use "onerous process" to describe tasks like applying for permits or undergoing lengthy reviews. For example, "Navigating the legal system proved to be an onerous process".

What are some alternatives to "onerous process"?

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

Is "onerous process" formal or informal?

"Onerous process" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

What makes a "process" considered "onerous"?

A process is considered "onerous" when it is not only difficult but also feels burdensome, oppressive, or excessively time-consuming.