cumbersome
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms 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
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use cumbersome
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
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.