Words / C1

imp-uh-ZISHUN/ˌɪmpəˈzɪʃn/

An imposition is an unwelcome demand or burden, or the act of imposing a rule or tax: a last-minute imposition, the imposition of a freeze. Impose (already in the dictionary) is the verb; burden (already in the dictionary) is the everyday noun. Agility is a slogan, not a 200-page dump.

Meaning

An unwelcome demand or burden; also the act of imposing a rule or tax.

Examples

• “A last-minute imposition of a 200-page annex is a burden, not “agility”.”
• “Burden is already in this course. Demand is milder. Agility is branding. An annex is a file. Table the paper with notice; keep agility for the prospectus.”

Good to know

A burden placed on someone, or the act of imposing. Verb: impose (already in the dictionary). “Agility” ≠ a dump.

Near in meaning

burden, demand, encumbrance

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