cumbersome
7 synonyms and 1 antonym for cumbersome, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Awkward or difficult to handle, carry, or manage because of size, weight, or complexity.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use cumbersome
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a cumbersome process
cumbersome equipment
cumbersome bureaucracy
Etymology
From Middle English cumbersum, built from "cumber" ("hindrance, burden") plus the suffix "-some." Related to "encumber" and "incumbent."
Full origin of cumbersome →Frequently asked questions
What does “cumbersome” mean?
The word “cumbersome” means awkward or difficult to handle, carry, or manage because of size, weight, or complexity. In plain terms, bulky, awkward, or overly complicated — hard to deal with easily, whether it's an object or a process.
How do you pronounce “cumbersome”?
“Cumbersome” is pronounced KUHM-buh-suhm (/ˈkʌmbɚsəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “cumbersome” in a sentence?
Here is “cumbersome” used in a sentence: “The old suitcase was heavy and cumbersome to drag through the airport.”
What is another word for “cumbersome”?
Words with a similar meaning to “cumbersome” include cumbrous, lumpish and unwieldy.
What part of speech is “cumbersome”?
“Cumbersome” is an adjective.
Where does the word “cumbersome” come from?
The word “cumbersome” comes from Middle English. From Middle English cumbersum, built from "cumber" ("hindrance, burden") plus the suffix "-some." Related to "encumber" and "incumbent.".
Is “cumbersome” a common word?
“Cumbersome” is an uncommon word in modern English.
