oneroso

Oneroso is a Spanish adjective meaning burdensome or onerous. It describes obligations, costs, or conditions that are heavy, difficult to bear, or impose a substantial burden. The term is especially common in formal, legal, and economic contexts, where it signals that something entails duty, risk, or expense beyond the ordinary.

Etymology and sense: Oneroso derives from Latin onerosus, related to onus, burden. The word has carried the sense of a weight or disadvantage carried by someone, evolving into a descriptor for burdensome obligations or costs in modern Spanish.

Usage in law and economics: In legal language, a contrato oneroso is a contract in which both parties undertake reciprocal obligations or costs; it is typically contrasted with un contrato gratuito, where one party provides a benefit without a corresponding obligation. In economics and business, phrases such as costo oneroso or carga onerosa describe burdensome financial commitments or requirements that strain a party’s resources.

Nuance and examples: The term often carries a negative connotation, highlighting the hardship or impracticality of a duty, task, or expenditure. Examples include: “El acuerdo resulta oneroso para las pequeñas empresas.” “Asumir esa tarea sería oneroso para la organización.” It emphasizes more than price alone, pointing to overall burden or difficulty.

Translations and related terms: In English, onerous translates to onerous; in French, onéreux; Italian and Portuguese use oneroso with similar meaning. Related Spanish terms include gravoso, peligroso, or pesado, depending on context and emphasis.