imposition
ihm-puh-ZIHSH-uhn
Imposition (noun) means an unwelcome demand or burden placed on someone. Example: “Staying an extra week would be too much of an imposition.”
noun
1
An unwelcome demand or burden placed on someone.
"He expunges his own anguish at his diagnosis with HIV and the impositions that have claimed his freedom."
— Mary Dowd, Risky Business (1991)
"Staying an extra week would be too much of an imposition."
2
The act of officially establishing or enforcing something, such as a tax or rule.
"The imposition of new sanctions strained relations between the two countries."
How to use imposition
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA burden forced on someone, or the act of officially enforcing a rule, tax, or restriction.
Common pairings
an imposition on
imposition of sanctions
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like imposition.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- impositions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Staying an extra week would be too much of an _____.
Etymology
From Latin impositio, related to impose.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for imposition
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for imposition →
Frequently asked questions
What does “imposition” mean?
The word “imposition” means an unwelcome demand or burden placed on someone. In plain terms, a burden forced on someone, or the act of officially enforcing a rule, tax, or restriction.
How do you pronounce “imposition”?
“Imposition” is pronounced ihm-puh-ZIHSH-uhn (/ˌɪm.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “imposition” in a sentence?
Here is “imposition” used in a sentence: “Staying an extra week would be too much of an imposition.”
What part of speech is “imposition”?
“Imposition” is a noun.
Where does the word “imposition” come from?
The word “imposition” comes from Latin. From Latin impositio, related to impose.
Is “imposition” a common word?
“Imposition” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “imposition” have?
“Imposition” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an unwelcome demand or burden placed on someone.
