onus

[ oh-nuhs ]

noun

, plural o·nus·es.

1. a difficult or disagreeable obligation, task, burden, etc.

   Synonyms: load, duty, weight, responsibility

2. burden of proof. Compare onus probandi.
3. blame or responsibility.

onus

/ ˈəʊnəs /

noun

1. a responsibility, task, or burden

Word History and Origins

Origin of onus¹

1630–40; < Latin: load, burden

Word History and Origins

Origin of onus¹

C17: from Latin: burden

Example Sentences

Instead, the onus is on men to request a blood test from their GP once they are over 50.

From BBC

Musk, the world’s richest man, will face a particular onus to show that his decisions are not designed to benefit his own interests.

From Los Angeles Times

Donald Trump's victory is likely to mean less funding for Ukraine, and as Germany is second to the US in financial support for Kyiv, the onus may fall on Berlin to increase its help.

From BBC

The government says that the onus will be on social media platforms to show they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access.

From BBC

She said the onus on people like her to report issues was frustrating and time-consuming as there was "also the time of having to track them down and knowing your rights".

From BBC