encumbrance
Americannoun
-
something that encumbers; something burdensome, useless, or superfluous; burden; hindrance.
Poverty was a lifelong encumbrance.
-
a dependent person, especially a child.
-
Law. a burden or claim on property, as a mortgage.
noun
-
a thing that impedes or is burdensome; hindrance
-
law a burden or charge upon property, such as a mortgage or lien
-
rare a dependent person, esp a child
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of encumbrance
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English encombraunce, from Middle French encumbrance; see origin at encumber, -ance
Explanation
A burden or serious concern is an encumbrance. Your being five feet tall could be an encumbrance when it comes to your dream of playing professional basketball. Something that blocks you from doing what you want to do is an encumbrance, like the rocky soil in your garden that makes it impossible for you to grow tomatoes. A burden or hindrance can also be an encumbrance, the way wearing thick knitted mittens makes it harder for you to dial your cell phone — your mittens are an encumbrance. The word comes from the Latin word incombrare, which means "barricade or obstacle."
Vocabulary lists containing encumbrance
A Separate Peace
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Awakening
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Seabiscuit
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Shekhova had started packing, but the costs of moving were prohibitive—and her dogs were an additional encumbrance.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026
“Debt is a long-term obligation and an encumbrance on people’s finances.”
From MarketWatch • Jan. 14, 2026
That's why they've now assigned a receiver in order to prevent the transfer, sale or encumbrance of any of those assets.
From Salon • Nov. 6, 2023
Wilson Chin’s scenic design creates an atmosphere of old-world affluence without the encumbrance of too many set pieces, allowing the musical to glide at an accelerated pace to its mostly happy conclusion.
From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2023
Even the minor encumbrance of a bandage was a serious inconvenience.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
