cumbersome

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Burdensome or hindering, as if a weight or drag; vexatious.
  2. Not easily managed or handled; awkward; clumsy.
  3. Hard, difficult, demanding to handle or get around with.
  4. Inert, lumbering, slow in movement.

Pronunciation

/ˈkʌmbəsəm/ /ˈkʌmbɚsəm/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-cumbersome.wav

Word forms

cumbersome more cumbersome most cumbersome

Etymology

From Middle English cumbyrsum, cummyrsum; equivalent to cumber (“hindrance”) + -some. Compare encumber and incumbent.

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