belastende

Belastende is a Dutch adjective formed from belasten, meaning to load or burden. It is typically used to describe something that places a burden, causes difficulty, or induces stress. In everyday language it characterizes situations, factors, or conditions that weigh on someone or something.

Common contexts for belastende include daily life, work, health, and law. For example, belastende omstandigheden describe adverse or burdensome conditions; belastende factoren are factors that worsen a situation. In a legal context, the term is used to refer to facts or circumstances that weigh against a person, such as belastende feiten (incriminating or adverse facts) that influence judgment or sentencing. In health or social settings, belastende gebeurtenissen or belastende levensomstandigheden refer to traumatic events or difficult living conditions that affect well-being.

Etymologically, belastende derives from belasten (to load or burden). The form is predominantly used attributively before a noun, as in een belastende factor, een belastende situatie. The related adjective belastend can be used in predicative positions, for example, De werkomstandigheden zijn belastend, though belastende blijft the common choice before a noun.

Translations into English include burdensome, onerous, or stressing, depending on context. The term tends to appear in more formal or technical language, such as legal, administrative, or professional reports, rather than casual conversation. Understanding belastende helps in interpreting statements about hindrances, risks, or adverse conditions in Dutch discourse.