Cumbersome

/ˈkʌmbərsəm/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Large or heavy and therefore difficult to carry or use; unwieldy.
The old, cumbersome furniture made it hard to rearrange the room.
Slow or complicated and therefore inefficient.
The cumbersome procedures at the office often led to delays in processing.
Burdensome or problematic.
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

Anything that is overly complicated.
Trying to set up that old computer was such a cumbersome task!
A situation that feels heavy and slow.
This meeting is so cumbersome, I'm losing the will to stay awake.