onus

[oh-nuhs]

noun

plural

onuses 

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

   Synonyms: load, duty, weight, responsibility

2. burden of proof.

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

Most of those arguments put the onus on women to leave the workforce and focus on childbearing.

From Salon

You mentioned how the onus should be on Republicans, who, of course, control both houses and the executive branch and have, I think, objectively speaking, ceded much of their authority to the president.

From Salon

It also shifts the onus onto California and other states to fill the void left by the federal government.

From Los Angeles Times

She added that "the Crown cannot meet its onus on any of the counts before me".

From BBC

He said the onus should not be on blue badge holders to make sure neighbours are aware they are allowed to continue using hosepipes if they decide to.

From BBC