Encumbrance Meaning
/ɪnˈkʌm.bɹəns/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounSomething that encumbers; a burden that must be carried.
nounAlternative spelling of incumbrance (“in law: interest attached to a title; dependent”).
Sentence Examples
Since the temperature has warmed, my coat has become an encumbrance.
a widow without encumbrances, i.e. without children
CEFR Practice Quiz
The heavy backpack became an ____ during the long hike up the steep mountain trail.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The large debt became a serious ____ for the new business.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English encombraunce, from Old French encombrance, from encombrer.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Some consideration was necessary to decide whether or not to leave his rifle there. On the return, carrying the girl and a pack, it would be added encumbrance[…]"
— 1912 January, Zane Grey, chapter 8, in Riders of the Purple Sage […], New York, N.Y.; London: Harper & Brothers Publishers, →OCLC:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The heavy backpack became an ____ during the long hike up the steep mountain trail.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The large debt became a serious ____ for the new business.