cumbrous

[kuhm-bruhs]

adjective

1. cumbersome.

Other Word Forms

• cumbrously adverb
• cumbrousness noun
• noncumbrous adjective
• noncumbrously adverb
• noncumbrousness noun
• uncumbrous adjective
• uncumbrously adverb
• uncumbrousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cumbrous¹

First recorded in 1325–75, cumbrous is from the Middle English word cumberous. See cumber, -ous

Example Sentences

It turns out that digital television, originally meant as a convenient alternative to clunky cable, can be just as knotty and cumbrous as the business it’s trying to replace.

From New York Times

This summer, his big league career got off to a charmed start that belied the cumbrous path he took to get there.

From Los Angeles Times

She could write the scene three times over, from three points of view; her excitement was in the prospect of freedom, of being delivered from the cumbrous struggle between good and bad, heroes and villains.

From Literature

The Road Home Program, a state program supposed to help rebuild, was cumbrous and slow, and grants often didn’t cover the cost of repairs.

From Washington Times

Only the cumbrous irony of his tone made her feel unreal herself—made her unable to put her own words simply.

From Literature