Word
burden
Meanings
A difficult responsibility, worry, or problem that causes stress or effort over time.
Something heavy or awkward that must be carried or supported.
The main topic or central message of a speech, book, or argument.
Definition
A burden is something heavy or difficult to carry, deal with, or be responsible for.
A burden can be a physical load you carry, or a responsibility, worry, or problem that feels hard to manage. It often suggests ongoing pressure rather than a short, simple task. People may share, reduce, or lift a burden by getting help or changing a situation.
Examples
- The constant travel became a burden once I started caring for my parents.
- As a manager, you have to spot when workload turns into a burden for your team.
- He tried to hide his anxiety, but it was clearly a burden he carried every day.
- After the move, she realized that maintaining two apartments was a burden she no longer wanted.
- They shared the burden of planning the conference by splitting the tasks into smaller parts.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "burden to someone" instead of the more natural "burden on someone."
More at C1 level
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- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More nouns
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