cumbersome

[kuhm-ber-suhm]

adjective

1. burdensome; troublesome.

   Synonyms: onerous, weighty, heavy

2. unwieldy; clumsy.

   Synonyms: awkward

cumbersome

/ ˈkʌmbəsəm, ˈkʌmbrəs /

adjective

1. awkward because of size, weight, or shape

   cumbersome baggage

2. difficult because of extent or complexity

   cumbersome accounts

Other Word Forms

• cumbersomely adverb
• cumbersomeness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cumbersome¹

First recorded in 1325–75, cumbersome is from the Middle English word cummyrsum. See cumber, -some ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cumbersome¹

C14: cumber , short for _encumber + _-some ¹

Example Sentences

Even the most basic elements of operating a military base in the high Arctic are extremely cumbersome.

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These enzymes worked but were difficult to reengineer for new DNA targets, making them slow and cumbersome to use.

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That beats the cumbersome process of monitoring them to make sure they’re healthy enough to be released.

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Moving out of the White House is a cumbersome endeavor for all presidents.

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County was cumbersome and time consuming and relied on spreadsheets, phone calls and daily emails to track inventory and get people shelter.

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Related Words

• bulky 
• burdensome 
• embarrassing www.thesaurus.com
• heavy 
• inconvenient 
• ponderous 
• tiresome 
• unwieldy