Top 35 Slang For Burden – Meaning & Usage

Feeling weighed down by life’s challenges? Discover the latest slang for burden that captures the essence of carrying life’s heavy load with a touch of humor and relatability. Let us lighten the load with our curated list that will have you nodding in agreement and maybe even chuckling at the clever ways we describe the weight we all carry.

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Thorn in one’s side

This phrase refers to something or someone that causes ongoing frustration or trouble.

For example, “My neighbor’s loud parties are a thorn in my side.”
A person might say, “That difficult coworker is a real thorn in my side.”
In a discussion about personal challenges, someone might share, “Managing my chronic illness has been a thorn in my side for years.”

2. Bane of one’s existence

This expression refers to something that is the main source of someone’s unhappiness or frustration.

For instance, “Mosquitoes are the bane of my existence.”
A person might complain, “This never-ending project is the bane of my existence.”
In a conversation about personal struggles, someone might say, “My anxiety is the bane of my existence.”

3. Burden on one’s conscience

This phrase describes something that weighs heavily on a person’s conscience.

For example, “Not helping my friend when they needed me is a burden on my conscience.”
A person might confess, “Cheating on my partner is a burden on my conscience.”
In a discussion about past actions, someone might say, “The mistakes I made in my youth are still a burden on my conscience.”

4. Drag on one’s spirit

This expression refers to something that feels heavy or draining, causing a decrease in motivation or enthusiasm.

For instance, “Dealing with toxic people is such a drag on my spirit.”
A person might express, “The constant negativity at work is a drag on my spirit.”
In a conversation about personal challenges, someone might share, “Living with chronic pain can be a real drag on my spirit.”

5. Shackles

This term is often used metaphorically to describe something that holds a person back or prevents them from moving forward.

For example, “Debt can be shackles that keep people from pursuing their dreams.”
A person might say, “Breaking free from toxic relationships was like removing the shackles from my life.”
In a discussion about societal expectations, someone might argue, “Gender norms can be shackles that limit individual expression.”

6. Heavy yoke

This phrase refers to a heavy or difficult burden that someone has to bear. It can be used metaphorically to describe a challenging situation or responsibility.

For example, “Taking care of my sick parent is a heavy yoke.”
In a discussion about work stress, someone might say, “The pressure to meet deadlines can feel like a heavy yoke.”
A person talking about financial struggles might say, “The heavy yoke of debt is weighing me down.”

7. Strain

This term refers to the pressure or stress caused by a burden or difficult situation. It can be used to describe the physical, emotional, or mental toll of carrying a heavy load.

For instance, “The strain of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming.”
In a discussion about academic challenges, someone might say, “The strain of studying for exams is getting to me.”
A person talking about a demanding job might say, “The constant deadlines and long hours are causing a lot of strain.”

8. Encumbrance

This word refers to something that hinders or burdens someone. It can be used to describe a heavy responsibility or obstacle that makes life more difficult.

For example, “The encumbrance of student loans is holding me back from pursuing my dreams.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “The emotional baggage from past traumas can be an encumbrance.”
A person talking about a difficult project might say, “The lack of resources is an encumbrance that is slowing us down.”

9. Oppressive weight

This phrase describes an overwhelming burden that feels heavy and suffocating. It can be used to convey the emotional or mental weight of a difficult situation.

For instance, “The oppressive weight of grief is hard to bear.”
In a discussion about societal expectations, someone might say, “The oppressive weight of conformity can stifle individuality.”
A person talking about discrimination might say, “The oppressive weight of prejudice is a constant battle.”

10. Load to carry

This phrase refers to a difficult task or responsibility that someone has to handle. It can be used to describe a challenging situation or burden.

For example, “Taking care of a sick family member is a heavy load to carry.”
In a discussion about work stress, someone might say, “The load to carry of managing multiple projects is overwhelming.”
A person talking about personal struggles might say, “The load to carry of past traumas is affecting my mental health.”

11. Weighing heavily

When something is “weighing heavily” on someone, it means that it is causing a significant amount of stress or pressure. It refers to a burden or responsibility that feels overwhelming.

For example, “The financial problems were weighing heavily on her.”
In a conversation about work stress, someone might say, “The constant deadlines are really weighing heavily on me.”
A person might express their emotions by saying, “The loss of a loved one can weigh heavily on your heart.”

12. Impediment

An “impediment” refers to something that hinders or obstructs progress. It can be a physical or metaphorical obstacle that makes it difficult to move forward or achieve a goal.

For instance, “Lack of funding was an impediment to the project.”
In a discussion about personal growth, someone might say, “Fear can be a major impediment to success.”
A person might describe a difficult situation by saying, “His addiction became an impediment to his relationships.”

13. A millstone

When something is described as “a millstone,” it means that it is a heavy burden or responsibility that weighs someone down. The term comes from the idea of a large, round stone used to grind grain.

For example, “Debt can become a millstone around your neck.”
In a conversation about caregiving, someone might say, “Taking care of a sick parent can feel like a millstone.”
A person might express their feelings by saying, “The stress of work has become a millstone on my shoulders.”

14. A weight on one’s mind

When something is “a weight on one’s mind,” it means that it is a constant source of worry or concern. It refers to a burden or problem that preoccupies someone’s thoughts.

For instance, “The upcoming exam is a weight on my mind.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “Doubt can be a weight on one’s mind.”
A person might describe their anxieties by saying, “The uncertainty of the future is a weight on my mind.”

15. Baggage

When something is referred to as “baggage,” it means that it is emotional or psychological burdens from one’s past experiences or relationships. It can include unresolved issues, traumas, or negative patterns of behavior that affect a person’s current well-being.

For example, “She carries a lot of emotional baggage from her previous relationship.”
In a conversation about personal growth, someone might say, “Let go of your emotional baggage to move forward.”
A person might describe their struggles by saying, “I’m trying to unpack my emotional baggage and heal from past traumas.”

16. Hindrance

Hindrance refers to something that causes difficulty or gets in the way of progress. It is often used to describe something or someone that impedes or slows down a process or action.

For example, “The lack of funding proved to be a hindrance to the completion of the project.”
In a sports context, one might say, “The injured player’s absence was a hindrance to the team’s performance.”
A person struggling with a difficult task might exclaim, “This constant interruption is such a hindrance!”

17. Onus

Onus refers to a burden or responsibility that falls upon someone. It implies a duty or obligation to fulfill or accomplish something.

For instance, “The onus is on the government to provide affordable housing for its citizens.”
In a team project, a leader might say, “The onus is on each team member to contribute their fair share.”
A parent might remind their child, “As a pet owner, the onus is on you to take care of your dog.”

18. Obligation

Obligation refers to a moral or legal duty to do something or to refrain from doing something. It implies a sense of responsibility or commitment to fulfill a certain task or obligation.

For example, “I have an obligation to attend my friend’s wedding.”
In a professional setting, a supervisor might say, “It is your obligation to meet the project deadline.”
A person might express their obligation to help others by saying, “I feel a strong obligation to give back to my community.”

19. Duty

Duty refers to a moral or legal obligation to perform a particular action or fulfill a certain role. It implies a sense of responsibility or commitment to one’s obligations.

For instance, “It is my duty to protect and serve as a police officer.”
In a military context, a soldier might say, “I am proud to fulfill my duty to defend my country.”
A parent might emphasize to their child, “It is your duty to respect your elders.”

20. Liability

Liability refers to something or someone that is legally or morally responsible for something. It is often used to describe a burden or obligation that one has to bear.

For example, “The company is liable for any damages caused by their product.”
In a financial context, a person might say, “The mortgage on the house is a liability.”
A person burdened with a difficult task might express, “This responsibility is such a liability!”

21. Trouble

This term refers to a difficult or problematic situation that can be burdensome.

For example, “I’ve been having some trouble at work lately.”
Someone might say, “I’m in a bit of trouble with my landlord because I forgot to pay rent.”
Another person might complain, “I’m always getting into trouble with my parents for staying out too late.”

22. Weight on my shoulders

This phrase describes a significant burden or responsibility that someone feels they have to carry.

For instance, “Taking care of my sick mother is a weight on my shoulders.”
Someone might say, “Being the CEO of a company is a huge weight on my shoulders.”
Another person might express, “I feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders with all my financial obligations.”

23. Albatross around my neck

This expression refers to a burdensome or troublesome situation that someone feels stuck with and can’t easily get rid of.

For example, “My student loan debt is like an albatross around my neck.”
Someone might say, “His addiction to gambling has become an albatross around his neck.”
Another person might express, “My past mistakes are an albatross around my neck, constantly reminding me of my failures.”

24. Monkey on my back

This phrase describes a persistent problem or addiction that someone struggles with and finds difficult to overcome.

For instance, “His alcoholism is a monkey on his back.”
Someone might say, “I can’t seem to quit smoking. It’s like a monkey on my back.”
Another person might express, “Her gambling addiction has become a monkey on her back, causing financial ruin.”

25. Millstone around my neck

This expression refers to a heavy burden or hindrance that someone feels is weighing them down and making it difficult to move forward.

For example, “Her debt is a millstone around her neck, preventing her from pursuing her dreams.”
Someone might say, “The constant pressure to succeed can feel like a millstone around my neck.”
Another person might express, “The responsibilities of being a caregiver can sometimes become a millstone around my neck.”

26. Grievance

A grievance refers to a complaint or resentment towards someone or something. It is often used to describe a burden or source of frustration.

For example, “He has a grievance against his boss for not giving him a raise.”
In a discussion about unfair treatment, someone might say, “I have a grievance against the company for their discriminatory policies.”
A person might express their grievance by saying, “I feel a great grievance towards the government for their mishandling of the situation.”

27. Imposition

An imposition refers to a burden or inconvenience that is placed upon someone. It is often used to describe a task or responsibility that is seen as excessive or unfair.

For instance, “Asking her to work overtime was an imposition on her personal time.”
In a conversation about favors, someone might say, “I don’t want to be an imposition, but could you lend me some money?”
A person might express their frustration by stating, “I feel like I’m constantly dealing with impositions from my family.”

28. Tax

In slang, “tax” is often used to describe something that is burdensome or demanding. It refers to a situation or responsibility that requires a lot of effort or energy.

For example, “Cleaning up after the party was a tax on my time and energy.”
In a discussion about school assignments, someone might say, “This project is such a tax on my brain.”
A person might express their exhaustion by stating, “Working two jobs is really taxing on my body.”

29. Load

When used as slang, “load” refers to a heavy burden or responsibility that someone has to bear. It can describe a challenging or overwhelming situation.

For instance, “Taking care of my sick parent has been a heavy load to carry.”
In a conversation about work, someone might say, “The upcoming deadline is going to be a huge load.”
A person might express their frustration by stating, “I feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. It’s such a load.”

30. Handicap

In slang, “handicap” is often used to describe an obstacle or disadvantage that someone has to deal with. It can refer to a burden or limitation that affects a person’s abilities or opportunities.

For example, “His lack of experience was a handicap in getting the job.”
In a discussion about sports, someone might say, “Her injury is a handicap for the team.”
A person might express their frustration by stating, “My financial situation is a real handicap in pursuing my dreams.”

31. Worry

This refers to a feeling of unease or anxiety about something. It can be a mental burden that weighs heavily on a person.

For instance, a person might say, “I have so much to worry about right now.”
In a discussion about stress, someone might share, “Constant worrying can have negative effects on your health.”
A parent might express, “My children’s safety is always a top worry for me.”

32. Affliction

This refers to a condition or problem that causes suffering or distress. It can be a physical or emotional burden that someone carries.

For example, “Her chronic back pain is a constant affliction.”
In a conversation about mental health, someone might say, “Depression is a common affliction that many people face.”
A person might express, “Living with a chronic illness can be a heavy affliction to bear.”

33. Bane of my existence

This phrase is used to describe something or someone that is the main source of frustration or annoyance in someone’s life. It represents a significant burden that someone has to deal with.

For instance, “My never-ending student loans are the bane of my existence.”
In a conversation about work, someone might say, “Dealing with difficult clients is the bane of my existence.”
A person might express, “Traffic jams are the bane of my existence. They always make me late.”

34. Achilles heel

This term refers to a person’s vulnerable point or area of weakness. It represents something that can be easily exploited or that causes significant trouble or burden.

For example, “Procrastination is my Achilles heel.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “Jealousy is his Achilles heel.”
A person might express, “Impatience is my Achilles heel. It always gets me into trouble.”

35. Strain on my back

This phrase is used to describe something that is causing a heavy burden or pressure on someone. It represents a figurative weight that someone has to carry.

For instance, “Taking care of my sick parent is a strain on my back.”
In a conversation about finances, someone might say, “Debt is a constant strain on my back.”
A person might express, “Working long hours is a strain on my back. It’s exhausting.”