Meaning & Definition of word "Cumbersome"
Cumbersome
/ˈkʌmbərsəm/
adjective:
- 1. Large or heavy and therefore difficult to carry or use; unwieldy.
- Example: The old, cumbersome furniture made it hard to rearrange the room.
- 2. Slow or complicated and therefore inefficient.
- Example: The cumbersome procedures at the office often led to delays in processing.
- 3. Burdensome or problematic.
- Example: Her cumbersome responsibilities as a manager left her with little free time.
Etymology
●Middle English, from the word 'cumber', which means to impede or obstruct.
Common Phrases and Expressions
cumbersome process:
A procedure that is difficult and inefficient.
cumbersome equipment:
Tools or devices that are bulky or difficult to handle.
cumbersome regulations:
Rules or laws that are complex and overly detailed.
Related Words
cumber:
To obstruct or hinder.
encumber:
To restrict or burden in a way that impairs or limits.
Slang Meanings of cumbersome
Meaning: Anything that is overly complicated.
● Example Sentence: Trying to set up that old computer was such a cumbersome task!
Meaning: A situation that feels heavy and slow.
● Example Sentence: This meeting is so cumbersome, I'm losing the will to stay awake.