unduly onerous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unduly onerous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a burden or obligation that is excessive or more than what is reasonable. Example: "The new regulations imposed on small businesses are considered unduly onerous, making it difficult for them to operate efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

They are not unduly onerous.

The Guardian

I don't think six months is unduly onerous".

The Guardian

The process, these critics say, is unduly onerous for people with acute disabilities.

The New York Times

The department claimed that the rules had been concocted at the "eleventh hour" and were unduly onerous.

The New York Times

A Texas-based oil refiner in which he had a major stake was losing money because of an obscure environmental rule that Icahn regarded as unduly onerous.

The New Yorker

A major review of Australian native title has found the process is unduly onerous, complex and technical and called for amendments to streamline proof requirements.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Unduly targeted?

The New Yorker

Some say unduly so.

The New York Times

That seems unduly pessimistic.

The Economist

This was unduly painful.

The Economist

That looks unduly pessimistic.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unduly onerous" when you want to suggest a sense of injustice or unfairness in the demands being placed on someone or something.

Common error

Avoid using "unduly onerous" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase is formal and can sound out of place in relaxed settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "too difficult" or "too demanding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unduly onerous" functions primarily as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing it as excessively burdensome or difficult. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is grammatically correct and common across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unduly onerous" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adjective phrase, particularly within news, media, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It serves to express disapproval of a burden or requirement, emphasizing its excessive and often unjustified nature. While versatile, it maintains a formal tone best suited for professional, academic, and news-related communications. Related alternatives such as "excessively burdensome" and "unreasonably heavy" offer nuanced variations, though "unduly onerous" provides a direct and effective critique of disproportionate burdens.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unduly burdensome

Direct synonym, focusing on the excessive nature of the burden

excessively burdensome

Emphasizes the weight and difficulty imposed by the burden, suggesting it is beyond what is reasonable.

unjustifiably burdensome

Emphasizes the lack of justification for the burden imposed.

unreasonably heavy

Highlights the lack of justification for the burden's weight or severity.

disproportionately demanding

Focuses on the imbalance between the demands made and what is fair or appropriate.

unduly taxing

Focuses on the excessive strain the requirement places on resources.

overly taxing

Indicates that the burden places an excessive strain on resources or capabilities.

inordinately burdensome

Similar to "excessively burdensome", but with a slightly more formal tone.

unnecessarily difficult

Highlights the lack of necessity for the level of difficulty involved.

excessively difficult

Focuses on the extreme level of difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "unduly onerous" to describe regulations, tasks, or requirements that are excessively burdensome. For example: "The new regulations are "unduly onerous" for small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "unduly onerous"?

Alternatives include "excessively burdensome", "unreasonably heavy", or "disproportionately demanding". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "unduly onerous" formal or informal?

"Unduly onerous" is a formal phrase. It is best suited for professional, academic, or news contexts. In informal settings, simpler alternatives are preferable.

What's the difference between "unduly onerous" and "onerous"?

"Onerous" simply means burdensome or difficult. "Unduly onerous" implies that the burden is excessive or unjustified. The addition of "unduly" strengthens the criticism of the burden.