Word
encumber
Phoneticsen·cum·ber, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛnˈkəmbɝ/
UK/ɛnkˈʌmbɐ/
Definition
v. to make it difficult for someone to move or act freely. You use this when something heavy or complicated slows you down.
v. to impede or hamper the function or movement of someone or something. Often used in the passive voice to describe being weighed down by physical burdens or legal obligations.
Examples
“Heavy winter coats often encumber children when they try to run.”
“The hikers found it difficult to cross the river because their heavy backpacks continued to encumber their movements.”
“Small businesses are often less likely to innovate when they are encumbered by excessive regulations and complex tax codes that drain their limited resources.”
Examples
simple
“Heavy winter coats often encumber children when they try to run.”
contextual
“The hikers found it difficult to cross the river because their heavy backpacks continued to encumber their movements.”
complex
“Small businesses are often less likely to innovate when they are encumbered by excessive regulations and complex tax codes that drain their limited resources.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “encumber” in context.
Verb
01. encumber by
“The rescue team was encumbered by heavy equipment and deep snow.”
verb + prep
02. encumber with
“I do not wish to encumber you with my personal problems.”
verb + prep
Noun
03. encumber baggage
“Travelers encumbered by heavy baggage struggled to navigate the narrow stairs.”
verb + noun
04. encumber debt
“The company is heavily encumbered by debt and unable to expand.”
verb + noun
05. encumber regulation
“Small businesses are often encumbered by excessive government regulation.”
verb + noun
06. be encumbered by bureaucracy
“The project was severely encumbered by local bureaucracy and red tape.”
07. encumber the progress of
“Lack of funding continues to encumber the progress of the scientific research.”
08. encumber with unnecessary detail
“Try to keep the report concise so as not to encumber the reader with unnecessary detail.”
Usage
Transitive verb; frequently appears in the passive form 'be encumbered by/with'.
Real-World Examples
“Here are the trends, according to the latest annual report from the central bank's central bank, the Bank for International Settlements: a fifth of all European banks' assets were encumbered, or pledged to borrowers, in 2011.” Etymology
From Middle English encombren, from Old French encombrer, from en- + combrer ("to hinder"). By surface analysis, en- + cumber. See cumber.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Rare
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/encumber